A BURNLEY water polo player was at first feared to have been half-blinded after he was allegedly "whacked" in the eye by an opponent during an "aggressive" game, a jury was told.

John Williamson now has a permanently dilated pupil in his left eye and could develop glaucoma. He needs regular medical check-ups after he was said to have been attacked by Christopher Brooks at the match at Gannow Baths, Burnley, last November 20.

Brooks, a member of a team from Radcliffe, is alleged to have deliberately punched Mr Williamson in the face after the referee took the ball from Radcliffe and gave it to the Burnley team in a Northern County League game. The defendant claims self defence and told police he had been hit and must have caught Mr Williamson with his thumb.

Brooks, 37, of Ainsworth, near Bury, denies inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Tim Storrie, prosecuting, had told Burnley Crown Court how Brooks allegedly strode across the shallow end of the baths and punched Mr Williamson, causing serious injury.

Burnley team member Neil Dunn, from Clitheroe, who has played water polo for 33 years, said he heard a "bit of commotion"and the words: "Out of order" being shouted. He said he turned round and saw Mr Williamson holding his eye, with "the Radcliffe player" just behind him.

Cross-examined by John Maxwell, defending, Mr Dunn agreed water polo was a physical game and that eyes were prone to injury.

The jury was told how a lifeguard at the pool described the match as quite aggressive. In a statement, the guard told how Burnley was defending the shallow end of the pool. He then saw a Burnley player move across the front of the goal, holding his head.

Mr Storrie told the court Mr Williamson was taken to hospital, complaining of loss of vision in his left eye. His eye was bleeding, he was X-rayed, referred to an eye specialist and admitted as an in-patient.

The court was told how the defendant told police he felt a "deliberate" sharp, painful blow to his head which dazed him. He claimed he was nearly knocked unconscious and as he was coming round his thumb may have unintentionally caught Mr Williamson.

Brooks told officers he must have struck Mr Williamson as he was trying to defend himself. The defendant, said he apologised to Mr Williamson after the alleged attack because his opponent was injured. He continued: "He assaulted me first."

(Proceeding)