A MAN who was skewered when a drug-crazed attacker thrust a Samurai sword straight through him amazingly survived.

The blade went straight through Stephen Luter's back and out through his belly - somehow missing his vital organs.

He looked on in horror as the blade cut straight through him after Vincent Baldry forced his way into the flat.

Baldry later told police he had taken 15 ecstasy tablets in an attempt to kill himself.

He denied attempted murder but was jailed for four and a half years after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Prosecutor Richard Onslow told the court that after the attack Mr Luter needed over 30 stitches to his wounds.

He said that Baldry, 25, and Mr Luter, 23, had once shared a flat and there had been a misunderstanding over money.

Mr Luter was at his flat in George Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, when the frenzied attack with the 18in Samurai sword took place.

Mr Onslow said: "He said he was sorry but he was going to go out in a blaze of glory and kill Mr Luter as well.

"Baldry pulled the sword out and Mr Luter somehow managed to disarm Baldry - he can't remember how.''

Baldry told police: "I lost the plot completely. I stabbed him through the side of the body. I really don't know why. I was just such a space cadet."

Baldry, of Yarborough Road, East Cowes, had been taking drugs from the age of 21 and these had affected his mental state.

Mr Justice Forbes told Baldry: "This was a terrifying incident for Mr Luter who had done absolutely nothing to provoke you. You inflicted significant wounds which required many stitches. It is a mercy that they were not life-threatening.''

Afterwards Detective Constable Barrie Lambert, the case officer, said: "When he saw the sword coming out of his belly he thought that was the end. He has fled the Isle of Wight and is suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.''