A YOUNG father brandished a knife in public after chasing down a gang who attacked his father with a pool cue and directed insults towards his mother.

Chaos broke out at The Prince of Wales pub on School Road in January last year when a gang of 12 stormed into the pub and beat Parker's father.

The fight, which is believed to have started after offensive remarks were made, had been handled by his brother and the pub's former owner, but Parker, 25, attempted to take revenge and took to the streets with a kitchen knife.

Lisa Goddard, prosecuting, said the father-of-two and restaurant manager was reported to police after distressed members of the public saw him wielding the knife.

He was jailed for 15 months at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, September 21.

A fight broke out at around 11pm on January 8 last year and Parker proceeded to use the weapon in an 'offensive and threatening manner'.

Clare Evans, mitigating, told the court how Parker still refused to accept he was carrying a knife.

She said: "The knife was held in a threatening manner, but nobody was injured.

"He has two young children he is starting to make a better life for himself at a family-run restaurant."

Judge Alexia Durran concluded: "Angry about the way your family members had been assaulted, you went out to confront those who you thought were responsible.

"Something went wrong in the pub that night after words seemed to be directed towards your mother.

"You went with a weapon in an offensive manner and any maturity and respect had plainly gone from your mind.

"You categorically denied having a knife, but the jury rejected your account on strong and clear evidence. I am told you still don't accept the jury's verdict."

Parker, of Crescent Road, Tilehurst, was convicted following a jury trial on September 13 and was sentenced to 15 months for affray and possession of a bladed article in a public place, with half of his sentence to be served on licence.