A van driver who derailed a train in a crash on a level crossing told a court he had used the route 100 times and regarded it as unsafe.

Anthony Watling, 43, survived the smash on February 14, 2001, but told a jury at Chichester Crown Court he was still suffering from the effects of the impact.

Passengers on the 18.35 Connex South East service from Brighton to Portsmouth were flung from their seats when the driver had just seconds to slam on the brakes.

The front carriage derailed and the back end of Watling's Fiat Ducato van was smashed to "smithereens."

Jurors have been told how Watling, a former carpet fitter from Owlbeech Way, Lancing, and colleague Aaramateo Duggan had driven to the the crossing in Old Salts Farm Road, Lancing.

He told the court: "I had had a key to the crossing for about a year. It was not safe and I was always very careful when it came to crossing."

The court has heard how Mr Duggan opened the first gate and crossed the line to open the exit barrier when he heard Watling accelerate on to the track.

Moments later the train crashed into the van, ripping it in half.

Watling, who woke up on the trackside after passing out, told yesterday's hearing he had been physically weak since the crash.

He said he had followed the safety procedures.

He said: "I got into my van. Mr Duggan was at the second gate. I proceeded towards the line.

"As I was coming to the line, I checked right to make sure no trains were coming. I did not see the light of the oncoming train."

Accident investigator Dr Roy Hawkins agreed the crossing was not as safe at night because the glare from a bright trackside signal light further up the line could overpower the beams from a train's headlamps.

Watling denies endangering the safety of train passengers and obstructing an engine on a railway.

The trial continues.