Former MP Eric Joyce attack on teenagers unprovoked, court hears
Former Falkirk MP Eric Joyce attacked two teenagers in an "unjustified and unprovoked" assault in a shop, a court has heard.
The 54-year-old allegedly assaulted the boys, aged 14 and 15, in a food store in north London, in October 2014.
Westminster Magistrates' Court was told it happened when one boy tried to pass him in a narrow aisle, resulting in the youngster being knocked to the floor.
Mr Joyce denies two counts of common assault.
'Elbowed and winded'
Prosecutor Jon Swain said after an "exchange of words", Mr Joyce knocked the teenager to the floor.
"The actions taken by Mr Joyce constituted an unjustified and unprovoked assault on both boys," Mr Swain said.
He told the court Mr Joyce asked the shopkeeper to call police and at one point held the boy by the neck.
Mr Swain said the second boy tried to help his friend, but was elbowed by Mr Joyce and winded.
After the alleged attacks, the boys ran out of the shop.
Mr Joyce told officers who arrived at the store in Camden that one of the boys had been aggressive and head-butted him, the prosecutor said.
The assault was captured on CCTV.
Mr Joyce formerly represented Falkirk as a Labour member and later as an independent, but announced in 2012 that he would not seek re-election in May.
The case continues.