Jasmine Allen died after the minibus overturned in the crash

Christopher Cushing was "messing about" after being asked to slow down by a child, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

Jasmine Allen died when the minibus crashed into an oncoming car at Hafodrynys, near Crumlin, in May 2005.

Mr Cushing, 38, of Bargoed, south Wales, denies causing death by dangerous driving. The trial continues.

Newbridge Comprehensive School pupil Jasmine had just boarded the bus to take her to school when the crash happened, the court heard.

'Messing around'

Prosecutor Caroline Rees said: "Children in the bus were concerned that Cushing was driving too fast. One of the passengers, a 13-year-old schoolgirl called Rebecca Hadden, begged Cushing to slow down.

"Cushing then deliberately moved the wheel from side to side to antagonise her. Having pretended to mess about, Cushing lost control.

"The minibus swerved across three lanes of traffic and collided with a Skoda coming the other way."

The court heard another passenger, Chrissy Vickery, 17, said the driver was "messing around and swerving with the wheel...like he was trying to scare Rebecca".

Ten children were travelling in the bus when it overturned

Paramedics who attended the scene of the accident were unable to save Jasmine's life. Nine other children on the bus were injured.

Mr Cushing was arrested and told police he believed there was something wrong with the minibus's steering.

He also said there were stones on the road.

The court heard extensive examinations of the bus showed it was in perfect working order.

None of the children - all pupils at Newbridge Comprehensive School - were wearing seat belts.