A curry house owner attacked a customer by throwing chilli powder in his eyes after a complaint about rubbery chicken, a court heard.

Chef Kamrul Islam, 47, has gone on trial at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, accused of causing David Evans actual bodily harm while he was dining at the Prince of Bengal in Tonypandy, South Wales, on January 21 2017.

Opening the case on Monday, Stephen Donaghue, for the prosecution, said Islam, who claims he acted in self-defence, started swearing at Mr Evans and his wife Michelle after they complained about their food.

He said: "The defendant was the owner of the Prince of Bengal curry restaurant and, as a result of a complaint about the food, a dispute arose.

"The prosecution case is that this defendant grabbed a handful of chilli powder and threw it in the face of David Evans, thereby causing him difficulties with his eyes."

Jurors were told Mr and Mrs Evans went for their meal at around 7pm and were eating their main dishes when a waiter approached them to ask if they were happy with their food.