Three members of the same family have appeared in court over a violent brawl that unfolded at a Whitley restaurant during a funeral wake.

Jason Noakes, 47, of Foxhays Road, Reading, appeared at Reading Crown Court today (March 21) alongside his partner, Michelle Hawkins, 40.

They were joined by a relative, Luke Noakes, 19, of Staverton Road, Reading.

The trio were being sentenced over a festive season punch-up at the World Turned Upside Down restaurant.

Prosecuting barrister Hassan Baig told the court that, on December 30, 2022, the three attended the funeral of Jason Noakes' grandmother.

That evening, a wake was held at the World Turned Upside Down restaurant in Basingstoke Road. During an argument, Hawkins threw a punch at her partner, who then retaliated.

Other members of their family intervened, but this only led to the fighting spilling out into the adjacent bar area.

In the process, bystanders were pushed and assaulted - and Luke Noakes, who was 17 at the time, joined the fight.

Mr Baig said: "There was about five minutes of violence throughout the whole incident."

CCTV footage of the brawl was played in court.

Mr Baig walked Judge Kirsty Real through the footage, telling her: "On several occasions, the parties are separated, yet they choose to continue to go back in."

All three defendants are of previous good character, and Luke Noakes' defence barrister, Jennifer Morris, highlighted the emotional context surrounding the violence.

It took place shortly after Jason Noakes buried his grandmother - with whom he was apparently close.

Talking of Luke Noakes' behaviour, Mrs Morris said: "Given the events, he was emotional, quite clearly not thinking, and, to an extent, influenced by the behaviour of the adults around him."

Both Ms Hawkins and Jason Noakes received 16-week prison sentences, suspended for 12 months.

Luke Noakes received a 12-month community order, including an 18-hour unpaid work requirement.