Father filmed pulling wheelies on motorbike while 3-year-old sat on petrol tank

Show off Ryan Ward, 23, rode not only without a care in the world but also without a helmet and without a driving licence as he sped along roads pavements and footpaths - with the bewildered toddler sat in front of him holding onto the handlebars

The unnamed boy who was also not wearing a helmet or protective clothing looked on ahead as his father put his foot down and hit up to 40mph as the blue off road motorbike tore round the Harpurhey area of Manchester.

Initally the father and son were spotted waiting at traffic lights on the machine but a police helicopter kept its spy camera trained on Ward as he rode away.

Officers watched as the bike then hurtled past parked cars and through terraced streets. During the journey Ward repeatedly lifted the front wheel of his machine of the ground as a part of series of wheelie stunts to impress the little boy.

He was eventually arrested after he was spotted pushing the bike along the road following his 6pm trip of terror on June 5.

Today footage of the incident emerged as Ward, of Hilldale Avenue, Blackley, faced jail after he admitted dangerous driving, cruelty to a child under 16, driving whilst disqualified and an unrelated firearms offence.

After the case at Manchester Crown Court, a neighbour said: ''None of us could quite believe it when we heard what Ryan did. You would think he would be a bit more responsible when it comes to taking his lad out on a motorbike.

''But obviously it seems he couldn't give two hoots for his or his own son's safety. He must be one of the most feckless fathers in Britain.''

PC Andy Moore of Greater Manchester Police said: ''Ward was riding without regard for himself but more importantly the public and his young son.

''He showed a blatant disregard for the rules of the road and has rightly been sentenced for his foolish and reckless actions.''

Neighbourhood Inspector, Ruth Bradley-Holt, said: ''Off road motorbikes are a real nuisance to the police and local residents.

''Ward broke the law by riding an off road bike in a public place but to compound matters the manner of his driving was appalling and he put the local community and even his own child at risk.

''We work very hard to address the concerns of local residents and that includes clamping down hard on those who misuse off road bikes and we seized three vehicles that were being used illegally.