Speargun trial continues in Vic court

A Melbourne man accused of deliberately shooting his partner in the face with a speargun has returned to court while his alleged victim gives evidence.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, allegedly told his partner before shooting her with a spear: "Babe, you're going to lose an eye but I'll buy you a new one."

His County Court of Victoria trial was closed to the public on Thursday while the alleged victim gives her evidence via video link.

The prosecution alleges the man repeatedly dosed the woman's coffee with the antipsychotic and sedative Seroquel during their relationship between 2013 and 2016.

It is further claimed he repeatedly raped the woman during that period, beat her and threatened her family.

On one occasion, the man allegedly slit a chicken's throat in front of the woman, telling her: "Don't ever leave me or I'll do this to your family."

The man claims the speargun was fired by accident and the woman fabricated the other allegations.

The trial will likely reopen to the public on Monday.