A MAN caused a fatal crash by driving at 125mph after seeing his partner dancing with another man in a nightclub, a court was told.

Teresa Clark, 26, was enjoying a night out at Gateshead's Baja Beach Club after drinking in Newcastle's Quayside bars when a row broke out with Mark Lepine, 29.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Lepine, in a jealous rage, drove the mother-of-three, together with her sister and two cousins, towards home at speeds of up to 125mph until the crash happened on Jesmond Road, which has a 40mph speed limit.

Prosecutor John Aitken said Lepine lost control of his Ford Sierra on a bend and hit a lamp-post. Miss Clarke died after receiving severe pelvic injuries and her sister Gail suffered serious leg injuries.

The girls' cousin and front seat passenger Steven Lucas suffered broken ribs, and a smashed hip. Fellow passenger Daniel Myers suffered minor injuries.

The court heard that the couple had rowed after Lepine spotted her dancing with another man. Gail Clark told the court she had warned Lepine to "calm down".

A taxi driver who saw the car hurtling along the road said it was travelling at an "incredible speed".

Mr Aitken told the court that the highest speed to have a chance of safely getting round the bend in the road would have been 50-70mph.

Lepine, of Weatherall Terrace, Walker, Newcastle, denies causing death by dangerous driving.

The trial continues.