Scottish MP Eric Joyce Denies Assault

Falkirk MP Eric Joyce has pleaded not guilty to assault and criminal damage. The 54-year-old independent MP spoke in a clear voice from the dock at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court as he 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. Joyce is accused of "assault by beating'' of two youths and with 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''. District judge Margot Coleman conditionally bailed Joyce, a former Army major and Labour MP, to appear for trial at the same court on May 1.