A WOMAN swerved into the path of an oncoming vehicle, killing her passenger, a court heard.

Charles Andrews was being driven by Amie Gatland, both 21, along the A281 past Cowfold on November 14, 2015.

Lewes Crown Court heard yesterday her blue BMW swerved into the path of Harriet Burrage, 22, who said she was helpless to avoid the collision.

Gatland, of Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, denies causing death by careless driving.

Ms Burrage told how the crash unfolded before her eyes in a matter of seconds.

Charles Andrews, of Lower Beeding, was flown to hospital but died a day later from his injuries.

Gatland and Miss Burrage were both treated for serious injuries.

Miss Burrage told how she was driving home to Horsham from Brighton along the A281 past Cowfold in her white Volkswagen Polo at around 12.30pm.

The 22-year-old had stayed with a friend in Brighton after studying late at her university campus in Falmer the night before.

She left around noon and battled heavy rain and slow traffic on the A23, she said.

She told the court the road was still wet but the rain had begun to clear as she turned off at Bolney and on to the A281.

She said: “[The car] came around the bend and it was fine. Then I saw the back wheels swerve out towards the central white line and then tuck back in again.

“Then they came out again and then the car came in front of me. I thought it was over correcting and then the second time I thought it was a bit odd. Then I saw it coming over and realised there was nothing I could do.”

She described how the car suddenly pulled across her path and she crashed into its passenger side, adding: “It all happened in about three to four seconds. I wasn’t able to take any evasive action.

“It was so close all I could do was brace for the impact that was going to come.”

She said she tried to brake but did not know if she was able to in time, the court heard. She was left with a broken wrist, bruised chest and hips and whiplash.

There is no suggestion Miss Burrage was responsible for the crash, the court heard.

Gatland cried in the dock as she heard the evidence.

The trial continues.