A gay New Zealand man, who operated gay venues in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland and is now living in Sydney, has been severely injured in a home invasion attack. Tony James is reported to be in a severely brain damaged state in hospital after an unconfirmed number of men burst into his Newtown, Sydney, home a week ago. Sources close to James believe the attack, which also saw his partner injured, though less severely, may have been a retribution for a business deal gone wrong. In New Zealand James opened the Wellington venue which eventually became Sanctuary, and The Toolshed in Auckland which was sold to new owners who transformed it into The Den in Karangahape Road. While living in Auckland James' home was firebombed in what he admitted may have been a drug deal related attack. James is understood to be currently on a respirator but not responding to stimulus. Sydney police have so far not released details of the case or any investigations.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 31st March 2005 - 12:00pm