A bearded man says he was dressed as Santa Claus and was collecting for charity when former New Zealand Breakers star Corey Webster pulled on his beard outside a Takapuna bar.
Corey Webster enters the North Shore District Court late last year. Photo: RNZ / Tom Furley
Mr Webster has denied two charges of assault.
Michael Tilton told the North Shore District Court he was collecting money and offering to shave his beard off for Starship in November last year.
He said he approached Mr Webster's outside table about midnight, when Webster and another man pulled his beard.
He said he then pulled on Webster's goatee.
Mr Tilton said Mr Webster used such force that hair was pulled out of his face.
It was painful and embarrassing, he said.
Under cross-examination from Mr Webster's lawyer, Mr Tilton confirmed he had not been charged with assault himself.
He also denied suggestions that it had all been a joke and that he gave Webster a high-five as he walked away.
