A MINIBUS driver accused of causing the death of a Gwent cyclist by dangerous driving, was visibly distressed and said "I have killed another man" on learning he had lost his life.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Andrzej Wojcicki made the remark at Ystrad Mynach police station on the evening of Sunday July 21 last year, a couple of hours after the white minibus he had been driving was in collision with a bicycle being ridden by Owain James, of Oakdale.

The incident happened on the A472 at Newbridge, at around 8pm that evening.

Wojcicki, 44, of Conway Court, Blackwood, denies causing death by dangerous driving. The prosecution alleges that rather than watching the road in front of him, he had been looking at photographs of vintage sports cars he had taken minutes earlier.

The above remark was heard by PC Andrew Perry, whose statement was read out at Wojcicki's trial.

In it, he said Wojcicki had initially been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, and his mobile phone had been taken from him as evidence. On hearing of Mr James' death, PC Perry said Wojcicki had made the remark, which was unsolicited, and "appeared visibly distressed."

The statement of Mr James' father Raymond, was also read out in court. He described his son as a man who loved being out on his bike, and he was "no stranger to the road." He was a regular rider for whom a 20-mile journey would be no problem.

He had last seen Owain at around 5pm that afternoon, when he said he was going out on his bike, and "he was happy."

The court heard from Gwent Police collision investigator PC Richard Wyatt, who carried out investigations at the collision scene and subsequently.

He said that based on the evidence gathered, it did not appear that Mr James and his bike had been hit directly from behind, but rather on the right side, at an angle of probably not more than 10 degrees.

He said the left hand drive minibus had been damaged on its front nearside, particularly it bumper and lights, and had a cracked windscreen.

Mr James' bike had significant damage, including to the saddle, mudguards, rear pannier racks, and wheels.

Proceeding.