A FATHER and son have been sent to prison for their role in a pub brawl that saw their victim brutally stabbed to death.

Charlie Joseph Ward, 36, of Eltham Avenue, Slough, was convicted yesterday of murder and possession of an offensive weapon by a unanimous jury's decision at Reading Crown Court, following a trial which began on November 26.

Today he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years. He was also sentenced to two years’ imprisonment to run concurrently for possession of an offensive weapon.

His father, John Ward, 58, of Stoke Road, Slough, was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment after being unanimously convicted of manslaughter.

Their victim Jason 'Jay' Gardner was attacked at the Earl of Cornwall public house in Cippenham Lane, Slough, on May 9 last year, sustaining 31 stab and slash wounds. He died soon afterwards.

A fight started around closing time when Mr Gardner entered the pub and struck Charlie Ward, leading to an escalation in violence which also involved Charlie Ward’s father John.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Shearwood, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “The tragic outcome of this incident resulted in the needless death of Jason Gardner.

“This was a horrific incident and was a completely unnecessary use of violence.

“Charlie and John Ward were both culpable for the death of Mr Gardner, and will serve lengthy terms of imprisonment as a result of this attack.

“Although their defence was that their actions were self-defence, our belief was always that this altercation went far beyond that.

“Charlie Ward inflicted the fatal stab and slash wounds, but his father John was also deemed by a unanimous jury verdict to have contributed to Jason’s death and was convicted of manslaughter.

“Carrying weapons can clearly lead to far-reaching and tragic consequences as this case has highlighted.

“We will always tackle violent crimes of this nature and deal with offenders robustly.

“The sentences today bring an end to the proceedings and I hope that the family of Jason can at least draw some comfort from the fact that his killers were brought to justice.

“I would urge anybody who has any information regarding people carrying or using weapons to report this to Thames Valley Police.

“We are committed to ensuring the cities, towns and villages in the Thames Valley are safe places to live, work and socialise.”