McLeod had been travelling at over 82km/h, ignoring a 55km/h sign, Ms Payne said. He had driven past three signs warning of ice and grit on the road.
His car's warrant had expired in April, the springs in the wheels had been cut down and were rubbing on the car structure, and both rear tyres and a front tyre were excessively worn.
The steering column was not properly secured. A couple in the other car were badly injured.
The wife, 62, suffered a fractured back, broken ribs, broken thumb, serious chest bruising, blindness in one eye and deafness in one ear.
Her husband, 65, suffered a broken nose, broken rib and internal bruising.
McLeod's passenger, an 18-year-old man, suffered broken femurs in both legs and a compound fracture of his shin bone.
Judge Noel Walsh instructed police to provide the media with a copy of a photograph taken of the crash scene. He said it showed what could happen as a result of driving at speed in icy winter conditions.
He remanded McLeod at large to November 26 for restorative justice and a pre-sentence report.
He also directed that the injured couple be given a letter McLeod had written to them.
