A young nursery teacher has been left wheelchair-bound after suffering serious injuries in a horrific motorway crash caused by a speeding driver.
Jamie Young's car overturned and skidded for 300 yards after hitting another vehicle.
His 20-year-old passenger suffered "life-changing" neck and spinal injuries and spent nearly nine months in hospital, Hamilton Sheriff Court heard this week.
The blameless driver of the other car sustained broken ribs in the collision.
Young, 21, of Kelso Avenue, Lesmahagow, admitted driving dangerously on the M74 southbound between Hamilton and Larkhall on September 23 last year.
Abby Seal, prosecuting, said a witness saw Young's Seat car emerge on to the motorway "and accelerate to a speed he believed to be in excess of 70 miles an hour".
A female victim's Ford Focus was ahead of him and the his Seat swerved and hit the rear of her car.
Ms Beal told the court: "The Focus was propelled across the hard shoulder and on to the grass embankment, causing it to go on to its roof.
"The Seat also overturned and travelled approximately 300 yards before coming to rest, upside down, on the hard shoulder."
All occupants of the two vehicles - except Young - suffered injuries.
His passenger found she could not move her legs and had to be helped from the badly-damaged car.
The fiscal depute stated: "Her injuries are described as life-changing.
"She underwent surgery that involved part of her hip bone being removed and inserted into her spine.
"Plates were inserted in her broken neck and she spent a period in a spinal injuries unit.
"Initially she had no feeling from the neck down, but she has since regained some movement in her arms.
"She has some movement in her legs, but is wheelchair-bound.
"She can take a few steps with a walking frame, but the wheelchair will be required for the foreseeable future.
"Inquiries have been made regarding wheelchair-accessible accommodation for her."
The victim has also been seeing a psychologist "to help her cope with the mental trauma resulting from the accident".
A male victim suffered three broken ribs, cuts and bruises while three other passengers in Young's car had less serious injuries.
Victims spoke of the effects of the crash on their mental health, including flashbacks.
When questioned by police officers, Young said the crash happened shortly after he turned to speak to one of his back seat passengers.
He stated: "Everyone was singing and the music was loud.
"I hit the motor on the left hand side and we ended upside down. The motor was spinning and there were sparks everywhere."
Young's lawyer said his client was a first offender who had never been in trouble before.
He added: "At the first possible opportunity he put his hands up and admitted what happened. He is genuinely remorseful.
"He accepts this is a case where a custodial sentence might be appropriate."
Sheriff Liam Murphy deferred sentence until next month for background reports.
He allowed Young to remain on bail but banned him from driving with immediate effect.
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