Father towed six-year-old on sledge behind pick-up truck

A father who towed his six-year-old son on a sledge behind his 4x4 pick-up truck on a busy main road to give him a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" is facing prison for dangerous driving. Simon Lewington, 40, was photographed pulling his son 500 yards during rush hour traffic after a heavy snow fall.

Police officers gave chase after he whizzed past a police station as he slalomed round several cars with his son coming just inches away from oncoming traffic.

Lewington, a master carpenter from Market Harborough, Leics., broke down as he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving when he appeared before magistrates.


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Magistrate John Cameron told him: "Not only did you put at risk your own child but also other road users. "This is so serious we are considering a custodial sentence."

Mike Garvey, defending, said his client was an experienced 4x4 driver. He said: "His son was with him and the sledge was in the back of the pickup. His son asked for a tow and my client agreed. He now wishes he had not given in to folly. The son was wearing a helmet, goggles and gloves and my client did not drive above 8mph."

Lewington, who faces a minimum 12-month driving ban, was disqualified immediately. He was bailed until June 11 when he will be sentenced.