Eric Joyce Facing Trial For Assault

Former Falkirk MP Eric Joyce is due to stand trial today for assault and criminal damage.

The 54-year-old, who is to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, has previously denied two counts of common assault and one of criminal damage.

The charges relate to an alleged incident at a shop in Camden, north London, on October 17 last year.

Joyce is accused of ''assault by beating'' of two youths and of causing £200 damage to groceries and confectionery belonging to the shop owner.

He is also charged with ''intending to destroy and damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged''.

Joyce is a former Army major and Labour MP.