Eric Joyce denies Edinburgh Airport row charges

Falkirk MP Eric Joyce is to stand trial after denying using threatening or abusive behaviour at an airport earlier this year.

Eric Joyce: Entered not guilty plea to abusive behaviour charges. Picture: Getty

The 52-year-old entered not guilty pleas to three charges at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

The former Army major tendered the pleas in a letter and was not present at the court hearing.

The MP, from Stirling, denies being threatening or abusive at Edinburgh Airport on May 19.

He is alleged to have repeatedly shouted, sworn and made offensive remarks.

Joyce pleaded not guilty to resisting constables Alan Hazelwood and John Miller at the airport and on the way to the city’s St Leonard’s police station.

The politician is said to have struggled violently and tried to kick the officers.

He also denied a third charge of threatening or abusive behaviour alleging that he shouted, swore, made offensive remarks and noises and uttered racial remarks at both the airport and police station.

Sheriff Kenneth Maciver set a trial date for March 31.

Joyce was ordained to appear at a pre-trial hearing on March 5.