Volkswagen Golf engine loses power

My car is now driving me nuts. Apart from the knocking sounds which may or may not be the cv boots(mechanic doesn't know yet???), now my car seems to just over rev on its own and also cut power while driving. The power comes back after a few seconds but it is not a long time till it happens again. Seems like a faulty spark plug or fuel filter to me but I cannot be sure. Also I do not seem to have any reverse lights. Changed a bulb the other day and it shorted the whole system including the alarm and central locking. My mechanic is already booking his next holiday in anticipation mof me paying for it.