A MEMBER of a notorious Glasgow crime family has admitted killing a Uttoxeter van driver in a terrifying high-speed chase along a motorway.

Paul Lyons, aged 28, consumed a cocktail of alcohol and drugs before he rammed father-of-two Mark Fleeman off the M74 in Lanarkshire.

Mr Fleeman, aged 32, of Windsor Road, Uttoxeter, died when his van was sent careering across the motorway.

The High Court in Glasgow heard yesterday that Mr Fleeman's family had been left devastated by the death, and that his wife Sandra had contemplated suicide.

Lyons, a well-known figure in the Glasgow underworld, fled to Spain after the killing in a bid to escape justice. But he was extradited back to Scotland after being arrested by Spanish police.

At the High Court in Glasgow he pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

The court heard shopfitter Mr Fleeman was driving to work along the M74 in the early hours of June 4 when Lyons repeatedly tried to crash his own van into him at more than 70mph.

The vehicles eventually collided, with Mr Fleeman's overturning several times before landing at the side of the carriageway.

His passenger, 17-year-old student Lee Allsup, of Bentley Road, Uttoxeter, was seriously injured in the crash.

Advocate Depute Iain McSporran said Mr Fleeman had initially gestured at Lyons because of his erratic driving.

He said: "It appears that the accused's response to this gesture is what led to Mr Fleeman's death."

Lyons had been banned from driving at the time. His lawyers said he accepted his conduct had been utterly irresponsible and stupid, and he expressed remorse to his victims' families.

Lyons, who was driving home after a night out with friends in Manchester, had been drinking beer and wine, and took valium pills during the trip north, the court heard.

He was originally charged with murder or an alternative charge of causing death by reckless driving.

Lyons was also accused of attempted murder or an alternative charge of reckless driving, assault to cause severe injury, attempting to defeat the ends of justice, and various charges under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Sentencing will take place on April 1.

Mr Fleeman married Sandra in 2005. They had two daughters Laura, aged 11, and Georgia, aged six. The Birmingham City fan was also a stepfather of four and step-grandfather of five.

Following his death, Mrs Fleeman said her husband was a much-loved character with a keen sense of humour.

More than 400 people attended his funeral at St Mary's Parish Church, in Uttoxeter.

Former Thomas Alleyne's pupil Mr Allsup underwent extensive surgery on his legs, which were shattered in the crash. The Burton College student is continuing his recovery.