Bouncer 'hit by stiletto heel' may lose sight in eye

Published on Thursday 30 July 2009 09:57

A HEAD bouncer at a city nightclub faces losing the sight in one eye after allegedly being struck by the heel of a stiletto shoe.

The door steward at the Shanghai nightclub in George Street is understood to be undergoing medical treatment to his left eye.

An ambulance was called to rush the injured bouncer to hospital following the incident in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The award-winning Shanghai club is housed in the basement below the Le Monde bar and hotel, a 12 million complex owned by city entrepreneur Billy Lowe.

Stuart Thomson, manager at Le Monde, said: "The individual is a top bloke and hugely popular. We are all really shocked that such an unusual incident occurred.

"It is the subject of a criminal prosecution, so it would be inappropriate to comment further. We will all now rally round and look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready."

Officers are understood to be studying the club's CCTV footage as part of their investigation.

A police spokesman said: "A 37-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man were arrested and charged in connection with an alleged serious assault that happened in George Street in the early hours of Saturday morning."

Shanghai, which was previously known as Tokyo, has won a BEDA (Bar Entertainment and Dance Association) award for best club in Scotland and a nomination for Best UK Club.

Mr Lowe set up Thistle Inns with his cousin and former Hibs chairman Kenny Waugh junior, which they eventually sold to Scottish & Newcastle for 20 million in 1998, before establishing Saltire Taverns, which operates the Frankenstein themed bars.

When it opened its doors in 2006, the owners said they wanted the complex to "force up the standard" of George Street, and rejected concerns about more drunken behaviour on the street.

&#149 Sarah Marsden, 37, from Edinburgh, has been charged with assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment, as well as a breach of the peace, in connection with the incident.

She appeared at the city's sheriff court on Monday.

Anthony Walker, 48, from Edinburgh was also charged with a breach of the peace in connection with the incident. Both made no plea or declaration and were released on bail. Dates for future court hearings have yet to be set.