A PONTYPOOL carer accused of dangerous driving in an alleged road rage spat gave evidence today and claimed the key witness is lying.

Caroline Hamer, 37, of Sunnybank Road, is on trial at Cardiff Crown Court for dangerous driving after an incident with another driver on the A4042 in Cwmbran in June last year. She denies the charge.

Witness John Gooding, a bathroom fitter from Cwmbran, alleges Hamer chased him aggressively in her Mercedes, cut in front of him before braking sharply, and caused a crash.

The pair had met just minutes earlier on a narrow bridge on Chapel Lane where there had been a stand-off - which Hamer claims lasted two minutes - as to who could pass over the bridge first.

Mr Gooding, driving a silver Ford Fiesta, claims Hamer was speeding towards the bridge and refused to give way. But Hamer says she was already on the bridge when Mr Gooding sped towards her and blocked her way. Hamer said he finally gave way but called her a "f****** w****" and spat at her through the cars' open windows.

Today, Hamer gave evidence to the jury as part of the defence evidence.

Speaking about when the pair met again on the A4042 following the altercation on the bridge, she said: "I was going about 60 mph and we were coming quite close down to the roundabout.

"He pulled out from behind me quite close. He stayed by the side of me, his windows were down and mine were up.

"He was gesturing and coming close to the car. He was giving Vs and waving his fists then all of a sudden he came across into my lane and cut me up.

"His back end collided with my driver's side. I felt the impact, it took me off into the grass verge and my car was sliding, I was diagonal across the road."

Mr Gooding left the scene, the court heard previously.

Hamer claimed today she reported her version of Mr Gooding's actions at the bridge, and of the collision, to the police later - but did not immediately link them.

Mr Gooding's and Hamer's accounts differ again when Mr Gooding said he was travelling with his girlfriend and three-year-old son when the incident occured. Hamer claims Mr Gooding was alone in the car.

Proceeding.