A FATHER who threatened to chop off his daughter’s legs with a machete in an episode of ‘uncontrollable rage’ was spared jail.

The 16-year-old victim had been arguing with her mother on July 4 when her father stormed out to the shed and returned with the knife, which he waved in her face during the violent episode.

The teenager feared for her life, but eventually found the courage to contact Thames Valley Police three weeks later.

She stood before Reading Crown Court on Friday with her father in the dock, as she explained how terrified the attack made her feel for many months.

Simon Wilshire, prosecuting, said: “The defendant went to the shed and grabbed the machete and came back to the kitchen with it, waving it in his daughter’s face.

“During the incident he said ‘do you want me to go and get my gun’ after an argument with the mother.

“When she saw her father just before Christmas in Reading town centre by chance, she ran into a shop, afraid of what might happen to her.”

The court heard a recording of the violent outburst captured on the victim’s mobile and the father could be heard swearing and making threats after feeling disrespected.

The offender, 50, admitted to affray and received a 19-month sentence, suspended for two years.

Clare Evans, mitigating, explained the father had struggled for many years to control his daughter’s misbehaviour and ‘lost it’.

He will be required to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and attend 30 days of rehabilitation.

Judge Johanna Cutts, sentencing, added: “Teenage children can be difficult and challenging, but it is your job as a parent to protect them.

“There can be no excuse for this kind of behaviour. Your daughter was terrified when you threatened her with this knife.

"You were right to get involved but you should have calmed the situation, not escalated it.

“I had intended to send you to prison, but if there is any hope of you becoming the father your child deserves, I must not stand in the way of you taking part in the sessions you clearly need.”