Eric Joyce: Criminal case delayed as MP on holiday

A CRIMINAL case against Falkirk MP Eric Joyce has been delayed until later this month to allow him to return from holiday.

Eric Joyce MP. The case has been delayed to allow him to return from holiday. Picture: PA

Joyce, 52, faces two charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and a third charge of resisting police at Edinburgh Airport

earlier this year.

The former Army major was not present when his case was called at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Fiscal depute Calum Darling told the court: “I have here a letter from the accused in which he indicates that he is presently out of Scotland on a walking holiday and he indicates that he wishes to return and

consult with his solicitor in person.”

Sheriff Alistair Noble continued the case without plea until September 26. Joyce is ordained to appear in court on that date.

He is accused of threatening or abusive behaviour at Edinburgh Airport on May 19.

He repeatedly shouted, swore and made offensive remarks, it is alleged.

Joyce is also charged with resisting constables Alan Hazelwood and

John Miller at the airport and on the way to the city’s St Leonard’s police office.

The MP, from Stirling, is said to have struggled violently and tried to kick the officers.

A third charge of threatening or abusive behaviour alleges that he shouted, swore, made offensive remarks and noises and uttered racial remarks at both the airport and police station.

The independent Falkirk MP is stepping down from his role in 2015.