A former police detective accused of punching a man in the face at a fashion show after-party is defending the charge in court.
Jan de Moor is charged with injuring with intent after he allegedly struck the model several times in a central Auckland bar in September 2012.
Elliott Serjeant told Auckland District Court on Wednesday that he was dancing in the club when he knocked into someone who shoved him away.
Mr Serjeant said he swore at the man before being struck very hard in the face at least five times. He told the court he suffered cuts, bruising and swelling, and needed X-rays and a CT scan.
Another witness described seeing Mr de Moor kneeing Mr Serjeant in the face as he cowered and tried to cover his head with his arms.
Several more witnesses will be called on Thursday before Mr de Moor is expected to give evidence.
He was off-duty at the time of the incident and has since resigned from the police.
