A WAITER saw red when he ran out of a restaurant with a knife to confront a motorist in a row over parking.

Mohammed Islam attacked Tim Ruff’s car outside the Elizabethan Cottage Tandoori Restaurant in Old London Road, Brighton.

Residents living behind the restaurant in Patcham have had problems with customers and staff blocking their access road.

Tempers boiled over when Islam, brandishing a knife, and his nephew Shak Adnan stormed out to confront Mr Ruff.

“It was a sharp knife, he meaned to kill me,” Mr Ruff said.

The attack happened in front of Mr Ruff and a woman and her infant child who was on the back seat.

At Hove Crown Court, Islam, 42, claimed he only had a cutlery knife.

But Judge Paul Tain said he was “unequivocally certain” it was a sharp and pointed blade.

He jailed Islam for two years after he admitted possessing the knife and affray.

Meanwhile Adnan, 22, was told to complete community service and pay £796 compensation for the damage he caused.

Sarah Lindop, prosecuting, said the “fast moving and frightening” incident happened on March 20 this year.

Mr Ruff had been prevented from moving the vehicle to access an address behind the restaurant. Adnan came out to “remonstrate” and was “aggressive”, kicking the door panel and trying to rip open the car door.

He was then joined by Islam, who had a knife and “lunged” through the window towards Mr Ruff.

Brian Shaw, defending Islam, said the incident was completely out of character.

“The red mist must have descended,” Mr Shaw said.

Islam, of Godfrey Street, Stratford, London, has no previous convictions.

Judge Tain jailed Islam for affray and possession of a knife

Sarah Thorne, defending Adnan, said her client appreciated that he had behaved “appallingly”.

She said Adnan, of Old London Road, Brighton, was “unaware” that his uncle was carrying a knife.

But Adnan admitted affray.

He imposed a one year suspended sentence on Adnan, and ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

Adnan must also pay compensation to Mr Ruff.