Guilty verdicts for public disorder offences have left three family members determined to prove they are innocent.

Cafe owner Julie Major, 45, her son Brett Taylor, 24, and her brother Tony Monery, 42, are appealing against convictions for crimes committed during a summer fair in Worthing.

At Worthing Magistrates' Court yesterday Kirsten Sharp, prosecuting, described how Monery and Taylor had become involved in an argument after fair marshals tried to move people away from Major's cafe, called Ju Ju's Coconut Kiosk, on July 26 last year.

The marshals were preparing an area for a fireworks display but the two men became angry at how customers were being coaxed away from the Splash Point cafe.

A scuffle ensued during which fair organiser Jonathan Chowen was pushed to the ground.

Miss Sharp said, when Police Sergeant Peter Darkin attempted to arrest Taylor, Major "held the officer from behind in a bear hug manoeuvre".

Taylor fled but was later arrested by officers using Captor spray.

Major had denied assaulting a policeman and causing harassment, alarm or distress while both men denied causing fear of violence.

Taylor also pleaded not guilty to resisting arrest but the three were found guilty of all charges.

Their solicitor, Neil Corre, stressed the offences occurred in "unusual" circumstances.

After being sentenced to 100 hours community punishment, Monery, of Kipling Avenue, Worthing, said: "My only concern is that we may have to serve some of these orders before our appeal goes through.

"We'll keep fighting."

Major, of Durrington Lane, Worthing, was ordered to serve 60 hours community punishment.

She has sold Ju Ju's to move to other premises in the town and said: "This order stops me getting on with my life."

Taylor, also of Durrington Lane, was ordered to serve 120 hours' community service.