A pub fight that ended with a brutal stabbing has led to a Slough man being convicted of murder and his father of manslaughter.

Charlie Joseph Ward, 36, of Eltham Avenue, Slough was today convicted of murder and possession of an offensive weapon by unanimous verdict following a trial at Reading Crown Court which started on November 26.

John Christopher Ward, 58, of Stoke Road, Slough, was found not guilty of murder but was convicted of manslaughter by unanimous verdict.

At around 11.30pm on Wednesday, May 9 a row erupted between Charlie and John Ward, and Jason “Jay” Gardner at the Earl of Cornwall pub in Cippenham Lane, Slough.

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

Charlie Ward drew a knife and stabbed and slashed Mr Gardner multiple times to his body and head.

Mr Gardner was taken to hospital, where he subsequently died of his injuries.

Charlie and John Ward were both arrested and charged with the murder of Mr Gardner on May 12.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Shearwood, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “The defence of Charlie and John Ward argued that they acted in self-defence following an altercation at the Earl of Cornwall public house.

“Our belief was always that the actions of Charlie Ward went far beyond that of self-defence, as Mr Gardner had multiple stab and slash wounds inflicted upon him.

“The level of violence used towards Mr Gardner was completely unacceptable and given the injuries Mr Gardner sustained, a murder investigation was launched.

“Charlie Ward had in his possession a knife, and he embarked on a ferocious assault on Mr Gardner which resulted in fatal injuries.

“This was a wholly unnecessary death, and the guilty verdicts to a count of murder and manslaughter is completely appropriate in these circumstances.

“Charlie Ward had ample opportunity to cease his attack on Mr Gardner but chose to continue, leading to his death.

“Although Charlie Ward was the main aggressor, the jury agreed that his father John also contributed to Mr Gardner’s death. Both will now serve significant prison sentences as a result.

“This case highlights the dangers of carrying knives or other bladed articles in a public place.

“Because of Charlie Ward’s actions, a man lost his life.

“There can only be one reason for carrying such weapons and that is to have an intent to use them, the consequences of such decisions can have far-reaching and tragic effects on many people.

“Thames Valley Police will never tolerate violence and crimes of this nature and will deal with offenders robustly and bring them to justice.”

*Charlie and John Ward will be sentenced tomorrow.