'Breaking wind' led to man being 'blinded' in fight
An Aberdeen nightclub fight which left a leading businessman "completely blinded" started after someone broke wind, a trial has heard.
Simon Robertson, 47, said he was trying to protect his wife when he was struck in the face with a glass by William Henderson in Apres in 2008.
Witness Guillermo Casado told Aberdeen Sheriff Court a fight had started after someone broke wind.
Mr Henderson, 32, denies assaulting Mr Robertson and his wife Roslyn.
Mr Robertson, director of seafood manufacturer Joseph Robertson Co, said he required 70 stitches and was now unable to see.
Mr Casado said: "There was a group of guys. One of of them had broken wind next to us. They were laughing about it.
"I pointed to the guy and said 'that's disgusting'. He seemed very proud of it. I said there was no need for it.
"A guy grabbed my arm and twisted it round at right angles. It was just a kerfuffle. Mr Henderson came over. He helped defuse the situation."
Mr Casado said he did not notice Mr Robertson's wife becoming caught up in the incident.
He told the court: "There was hardly any time between the situation being defused and Mr Robertson appearing. He seemed very upset."
He said he turned back round when he heard a glass smash.
Mr Casado told the court he saw Mr Robertson on the floor - but did not see any blow.
The court heard Mr Casado spoke to Mr Henderson after seeing a newspaper article appealing for witnesses.
Mr Casado said: "He said when he hit back he had a glass in his hand. He was adamant he had been hit first."
Mr Robertson's wife broke down in tears as she relived the incident.
Mrs Robertson said: "I was knocked right down on my side. I was terrified.
"You knew the men weren't going to stop fighting. I still have nightmares about it."
Mr Robertson earlier said of being struck: "It was like standing in a room and someone turning the lights off."
The trial continues on Thursday.