Starr, 55, from Playhatch, Berkshire, pleaded guilty to common assault when he appeared at Maidenhead magistrates court on Wednesday.

Magistrates gave the entertainer a 12 month conditional discharge after they heard how he struck his son Jody, 18, during a row at White Waltham airfield, Berks, where his son worked. He was also ordered to pay £45 towards court costs.

After the hearing, Starr told reporters he was "sad" the case had gone to court and said he was still waiting for an apology from Jody over his behaviour.

Anthony Smith, prosecuting, told the court the offence took place on April 28 at the airfield where Jody, one of three children by his former wife Sandy, worked as a member of the ground crew.

Mr Smith said: "They engaged in conversation, which quickly turned to abuse relating to Jody's mother, the defendant's former wife."

The prosecution said Jody turned away and Starr said: "Don't you ever walk away from me," and slapped him on the left side of his face.

A policeman later noted bruising to Jody's left cheek.

Starr admitted striking his son but claimed he lashed out in retaliation after being struck first.

Philip Payne, defending, told the court the incident stemmed from Starr's bitter break-up from Jody's mother in 1994.

He said the comedian had repeatedly tried to build bridges with his Jody and his sisters Donna, 22, and Stacey, 10, after they went to live with their mother in Maidenhead.

Mr Payne said his son gave him the cold shoulder and when he finally confronted him at the airfield his first words were: "What do you want?"

He said: "He accepts he lost his temper temporarily and lashed out regarding it as chastisement for being disrespectful."