Vt. man testifies in trial over bitten eyebrow on his wedding day

Vt. man testifies in trial over bitten eyebrow

BARRE, Vt. — An Iraq war veteran whose eyebrow was partially bitten off at his wedding reception in Vermont is testifying at the trial of his alleged attacker.

Thirty-five-year-old Kevin Gartland, of Fayston, is accused of aggravated assault and if convicted could face 15 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Gartland got into a fight with Ryan Kessler at Kessler’s June 2008 wedding reception in Duxbury. After the two were separated, Gartland allegedly lunged at Kessler and bit him on the face.

Kessler lost half of his left eyebrow in the incident.

A two-day trial in Vermont District Court in Barre (BAYR’-ree) got under way Tuesday, with Kessler describing the events that led to the alleged attack.

Gartland contends if was self defense.