A TAXI driver heading home to Swansea was killed when his cab was struck by one of two cars that were allegedly racing each other along the opposite carriageway of Fabian Way.

Martin Leigh Griffiths died instantly when his taxi was hit by a Peugeot 106 that became airborne after mounting the central reservation between the Amazon roundabout and the slip road leading to the M4, a jury heard.

According to the prosecution, the fatality happened when a Neath man lost control of the Peugeot during a high-speed race with a Citroen Saxo.

Nathan Hunt, aged 23, of The Meadows, Cimla, yesterday went on trial at Swansea Crown Court with Michael Paul Davies, aged 20, of Heol y Fran, Morriston, Swansea.

Both deny causing the death of 52-year-old Mr Griffiths by driving dangerously on the eastbound carriageway of the A483.

Christopher James, opening the prosecution case, alleged that although it was Hunt's Peugeot that smashed into the taxi, Saxo driver Davies also deserved to be convicted because both had played a "significant contributory part'' in causing the cabbie's death by racing.

Mr James said the collision happened at 11.50pm on February 7 as Mr Griffiths, of Brunswick Street, drove home to Swansea along Fabian Way.

A short time earlier, the court heard, the Peugeot and the Saxo were seen at red traffic lights in Princess Way, Swansea, with their engines revving — and a witness was left in no doubt they were about to race each other. Mr James alleged that, on Fabian Way, the two cars overtook a vehicle at 90mph before disappearing into the distance.

Later, the cars passed the Shell filling station near the Amazon roundabout at "well over 50mph'' with the Saxo in the inside lane and the Peugeot in the outside lane.

But as he negotiated a left-hand bend, the court heard, Hunt lost control of the Peugeot and the vehicle became airborne after its front off-side wheel mounted the central reservation.

The Peugeot then crossed into the opposite carriageway, killing Mr Griffiths instantly.

The taxi rolled over and came to rest more than 100 metres west of the point of impact. The cabbie's body was thrown from his vehicle and found on the ground.

"There was very little left of the roof or driver's side of the vehicle,'' said Mr James.

The Peugeot ended up on its roof and Hunt was able to crawl free, the court heard.

But Davies did not stop — and only returned to the scene when the police were there. Interviewed after their arrest, Hunt and Davies denied causing the collision and blamed each other.

The case continues.

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