AN INDIAN restaurant chef has admitted throwing chilli powder into a customer's EYES when he complained about his curry - but claims it was in self defence.

Kamrul Islam, 46, feared he was about to get punched by late-night diner David Evans, who had followed him into the kitchen to complain about his meal, a court heard.

11 Curry chef Kamrul Islam has admitted throwing chilli powder in a customer's eyes but claims it was in self-defence Credit: Wales News Service

11 David had to be rushed to hospital for urgent treatment on his eyes Credit: Wales News Service

11 It happened at an Indian restaurant when he went to complain about his food Credit: Wales News Service

11 The incident happened when David followed the chef back to the kitchen to demand an apology Credit: Wales News Service

He threw chilli powder directly into the eyes of the 46-year-old pipe fitter at the Prince of Bengal restaurant in Tonypandy, Rhondda, which left him in "excruciating" pain and "caused him to vomit".

The prosecution claim Islam's actions "went too far" for it to be a case of self defence.

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Prosecutor Huw David today told Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court: “Mr Evans and his wife Michelle complained they were not happy with their food.

“Mr Islam, who owns the restaurant, had a large handful of chilli powder and threw it directly into the eyes of Mr Evans.

“He screamed in pain - it was excruciating and it caused him to vomit.”

11 CCTV captured the moment David Evans went into the kitchen at the curry restaurant Credit: Wales News Service

11 The chef claims he had been acting in self-defence when he threw the chilli powder in Mr Evans' face Credit: Wales News Service

11 Kamrul Islam arriving at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court today where he admitted throwing chilli powder in Mr Evans' face Credit: Wales News Service

Magistrates heard an ambulance was called and Mr Evans had his eyes flushed out in hospital.

Mr David said: “His eyelids were propped open and tubes fitted for saline drips to wash out his eyes.

“He also suffered chilli burns to his stomach and hand.”

Islam, who denies causing actual bodily harm, told the court: “It was self defence - he chased me into the kitchen.

“He was going to throw a punch at me and that’s why I threw the chilli.

“I would not deliberately do any harm to a customer, this is my livelihood.

“Chilli powder has never damaged anyone’s eyes. I get it in my eyes while cooking at least once a week."

11 Mr Evans had to be rushed to hospital to have his eyes washed out after the incident in January, a court heard Credit: Wales News Service

11 David was out for a meal with wife Michelle and told the waiter their food was 'rubbery' causing the chef to become aggressive Credit: Wales News Service

Magistrates ruled they have inadequate powers to deal with the case and sent it to the Crown Court.

The Bangladesh-born chef and businessman, of Pentre, Rhondda, is facing up to 12 months in jail if he is found guilty.

Islam, who has an 11-year-old autistic son, claims he has been running the restaurant with his wife Tanjila for seven years without a problem before the chilli-throwing incident.

11 The couple had been enjoying a meal at the restaurant when a member of staff had asked them how the food was Credit: Wales News Service

11 The couple's daughter Sophie Evans, right, played Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Wizard of Oz Credit: Wales News Service

Mr and Mrs Evans complained their meat was “tough and rubbery” on January 21.

Their daughter Sophie, 23, was runner up in the 2010 TV talent show Over the Rainbow and went on to play Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Wizard of Oz in the West End.

Islam was remanded on conditional bail to Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court and will stand trial next month.

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