Greater Manchester Police
A 23-year-old father has been jailed after he was filmed by Greater Manchester police riding an off-road motorbike with his three-year-old son perched on the petrol tank.
Ryan Ward admitted dangerous driving, cruelty to a child under 16 and driving whilst disqualified after he was filmed by Greater Manchester Police's force helicopter on 5 June 2010, riding the bike in a public place, including on roads, pavements and footpaths at speed.
Greater Manchester Police
Police said Ward's actions were "absolutely disgraceful". Manchester Crown Court heard that Ward drove the bike at speeds of up to 40mph around roads, pavements and footpaths, and performed wheelies while his toddler son, Daley, sat on the petrol tank behind the handlebars.
Neither Ward or the little boy were wearing helmets or protective clothing. Ward's defence told the court that "The defendant said when questioned that he wouldn't let his son eat a boiled sweet for the risk of choking."
"But he couldn't see the harm in what he did on the bike doing wheelies without a helmet probably he says because he's never had any trouble with bikes himself. He accepts his responsibility, he doesn't think his actions through."
Greater Manchester Police
Ward, from Blackley, also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause alarm, harassment or distress. He was jailed for a total of five years and four months.
HOW shocking?