The son of newsreader Carol Barnes attacked a doorman and police officers two days after a memorial service for his mother.

James Thompson, 26, became aggressive when he was asked to leave The Freebutt pub in Phoenix Place, Brighton, because he was smoking at the bar.

The attack came after a service at The Grand hotel for Ms Barnes. The ex-ITN newsreader and Brighton resident died at the city's Royal Sussex County Hospital on March 8, days after suffering a stroke, aged 63.

Yesterday Brighton magistrates heard Thompson, of Merton Court, The Strand, in Brighton Marina Village, had been drinking in the pub with his brother and his girlfriend on March 31.

He started smoking at the bar and was asked to leave before being escorted outside. But outside he became abusive and aggressive, trying to force his way back into the pub. He punched doorman Hugh Russell in the head several times and left, shouting threats before returning to punch Mr Russell again.

The police were called and while they were at the pub, Thompson returned and became violent again. He resisted arrest and threw PC Jodie White off her feet.

She suffered a shoulder injury that needed hospital treatment and she had to be put on light duties for several weeks.

Annette Mulrooney, prosecuting, said Thompson also punched PC Helen Wilkinson in the face.

Thompson, who has a previous conviction for resisting a police officer and a caution for common assault, pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive language and five counts of assault.

Kevin Light, defending, said this was not the first tragedy Thompson had been through, as four years ago his half-sister Clare died in a parachuting accident in Australia. He added: "Because of who his mother was, her death was very much in the public eye...The press were involved and that put added pressure on him, and it was very much on that background that he acted the way he did."

Thompson was sentenced to four months in jail, suspended for two years, and given 200 hours community service. He must also pay £400 compensation to his victims and £60 court costs.