PARENTS of children who survived the minibus crash which claimed the life of schoolgirl Jasmine Allen spoke of their disgust after driver Christopher Cushing escaped with a fine and a six-month ban from the roads.

Mr Justice Davis fined Cushing £250 - a tenth of the maximum. During a week-long trial at Cardiff crown court Cushing denied prosecution claims that he "messed about" with the wheel, deliberately swerving to frighten a schoolgirl who complained about his speed.

He said the steering could have been faulty, causing him to lose control and plough into an oncoming Skoda and overturn. Newbridge Comprehensive School pupil Jasmine, one of ten children on board, was taken to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital but died from her injuries. Jurors cleared him of causing Jasmine's death by dangerous driving, but he was convicted of careless driving.

It then emerged Cushing, of Ash Place, Bargoed, was twice convicted of driving while disqualified and without insurance in 1999. Robert Jones' three children, Laura, 17, Craig, 16, and David, 13, were hurt in the crash.

Outside court, Mr Jones slammed the sentence. "It's an absolutely terrible insult," said Mr Jones, 45, of The Glyn, Hafodyrynys. "Jasmine's parents are devastated - they lost a life."

David Jones told the Argus that the sentence "made me feel sick". He added: "It's bringing it all back now. My memories are still sore."

The children's great-uncle, Andrew Lewis, who is also chairman of Hafodyrynys community association, said: "I'm disgusted, I can't believe it. "Six months off the road for a child's life? Is that justice?"

Barbara Howells' 14-year-old daughter, Becky Hadden, told the court she had asked Cushing to slow down before the accident. Mrs Howells said: "You don't get fined much less for dog fouling. It's a travesty."

Cushing now faces charges of driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence - charges which are set to be heard at magistrates court.