How would you field this interview question?

[Davel]

Leave it in your CV and just say that you don't wish to be disrespectful to that employer but it just didn't work out for you and a better opportunity came along.

Surely everyone is allowed one mistake and the rest of your employment history will make up for it.

[Simon Brooks]

As an interviewer I'd want to know what and why it didn't work out, would what to establish who was at fault

[Davel]

And what would your reaction be if he said that his previous boss was a bully?

I think that I'd accept his comment if the rest of the interview went well and his references were fine.

[Simon Brooks]

Provided I thought he was telling the truth and could provide suitable evidence of being bullied, I would ask what he thought he could have done to handle the situation if it happened again

[swamp]

Don't worry. Only an overly-fussy employer or a bank (with certain obligations to check employee's history) will care about an 8 month gig seven years ago.

If they make a pointed question about this then they are probably not worth working for. Turn on the spin, paint it in a "good light", but be aware that too much dirt-digging will tell you important things about your prospective employer.