MANCHESTER, N.H. ? A justice on the New Hampshire Supreme Court was attacked in his home early Saturday and his face was beaten beyond recognition, authorities said. A suspect was in custody.

Justice John Broderick, 54, who played a role in the investigation of ethics violations charges against the state’s highest judge, was taken into surgery Saturday afternoon at Elliot Hospital. He was in serious condition but his injuries were not life-threatening, said nurse administrator Dianne Rein.

“He was seriously and brutally assaulted,” Atty. Gen. Philip McLaughlin said at a news conference. “We were exceedingly concerned for him at the very beginning of this. We expect that with time and care … he has a reasonable chance of recovery.”

Broderick was sleeping when he was attacked. McLaughlin said his face was beaten so severely that he could not recognize him.

Police said Broderick’s wife, Patricia, was asleep in another room and was awakened by her husband.

McLaughlin said a suspect was in custody but that no arrest had been made and no charges were filed.