A WOMAN riding pillion on a motorbike died after a race between the biker and his friend in "awful" weather conditions, a court heard.

Aaron Bridgeman, aged 35, of Lansbury Park in Caerphilly, drove away after the crash, Newport Crown Court heard, leaving his friend and stepsister in the road, the prosecution claimed.

Bridgeman denies one count of causing Claire Franklin's death by dangerous driving.

He is accused of zooming up Pandy Lane near Llanbradach, a winding, unlit lane, in a red Peugeot along with biker Jason Szalkowski.

Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett said it had been raining heavily and a stream next to the road had burst its banks.

Weather was so bad there had been a national alert, the court heard.

When the the vehicles reached the water they were unable to stop in time because they were travelling too quickly, he said.

Ms Frankin fell from the bike and landed on Bridgeman's windscreen, the court heard.

She then landed on the road where another car drove over her, the court heard.

Mr Bennett said it was impossible to say what finally killed Ms Franklin but she would not have died if the race had not happened.

Bridgeman denied racing, telling police he was travelling at a safe distance behind, Szalkowski.

Mr Bennett said: "He misled police and lied to avoid taking responsibility for what he did."

The trial is expected to conclude on Wednesday or Thursday.