Paisley Sheriff Court heard how witnesses later described driver James Whitworth, from Bellsmyre, as “an idiot” after he lost control of his Vauxhall Astra, spun out of control, crashed into the central barrier and rebounded into another vehicle.

The accident caused so much carnage that the west-bound carriageway of the M8 came to a complete standstill.

Out-of-work chef Whitworth, who lives at Whiteford Avenue, and three pals had spent the day at the X-scape leisure facility in Braehead, on June 18 last year, before heading home.

Other traffic had slowed down to remain within the speed restriction in place at the flyover at Glasgow Airport, but the 34-year-old was seen to overtake vehicles in the outside lane at speed well in excess of the limit there.

The court was told that loud music was blaring from the vehicle and shouting was so loud it could be heard by those in other vehicles.

The front seat passenger was seen to be hanging out almost to his waist as the Vauxhall sped by.

Suddenly, Whitworth’s car began to weave from side to side as he lost control and struck the central barrier twice before rebounding and colliding with the rear of a vehicle being driven by Ellen McCommish, causing it to spin and collide with the barrier and sustain extensive damage.

The court was told that it was fortunate that no one had been seriously injured.

The authorities had to clear the wreckage-strewn motorway before it could be re-opened.

A defence agent said that Whitworth was upset as his front seat passenger had been “acting the goat” and had his upper body hanging out of the window as they were travelling on the viaduct.

“He was on at him to get back in and behave himself,” said the lawyer.

Whitworth became momentarily distracted by the friend who was clowning around and when he reached over and “yanked him by the belt” back into the car, the vehicle veered to one side and when he tried to correct it, the car slid out of control and struck the barrier.

The lawyer said his client’s car had also been extensively damaged and loss of the vehicle, and his licence, would have far-reaching consequences as he attempted to find himself an employment opportunity.

Sheriff James Spy deferred sentence and called for reports to be prepared, telling the accused: “You are fortunate that there were no serious injuries here. I take into account the difficulties you had controlling the front seat passenger but that does not excuse your excessive speed.” Whitworth was ordered to return to court for final disposal on July 31.