A former trainee soldier who lost the sight of one eye during a game of water polo at his barracks 11 years ago is claiming up to �150,000 compensation.

David Gillespie, 31, had only signed up with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers weeks before the accident, which ended his army career.

Newcastle County Court heard Mr Gillespie, then aged 20, was taking part in the unofficial game with other new recruits in January 1991.

During the game he was poked in the right eye by another recruit, which led to the loss of vision.

Struck in eye

The game took place at the swimming pool at Rowcroft Barracks, Aborfield, Wokingham, Berkshire.

Judge Judith Moir heard that a corporal was acting as lifeguard at the session during which Mr Gillespie was injured.

Mr Gillespie's address was not read out in court as he now works for a Customs and Excise anti-smuggling operation.

But the court was told that he was originally from Durham.

Nicholas Davis, for Mr Gillespie, said he had been about to pass the ball to a team-mate when he was struck in the right eye.

Case contested

"It seems probable it was the result of somebody pushing a finger into his eye that caused the injury," Mr Davis said.

He added that no one was claiming the injury was caused maliciously, but Mr Gillespie alleges the army was negligent in not keeping tighter control on players' conduct during the game, in which there was "horseplay" and "ducking".

It is understood Mr Gillespie is claiming �65,000 for loss of earnings in the past, a further �50,000 lost earnings in the future and about �30,000 for the loss of vision in one eye.

Mr Davis told the court he did not know why the case was being heard almost exactly 11 years since his client was injured.

'Panic attacks'

Under cross-examination from Charles Holland, for the Ministry of Defence, Mr Gillespie said he suffered "blinding headaches" because of the strain on his one good eye, as well as having repeated infections in his damaged eye.

"I couldn't go out and enjoy myself and do the things I did before," he told the court.

"I became a recluse in my parents' house and I started having panic attacks."

The Army is contesting the case, which is expected to last two days.