FORMER MP Eric Joyce was convicted yesterday of launching an “unjustified and unprovoked” attack on two teenagers in a shop.

The former Labour MP for Falkirk was found guilty of two counts of common assault relating to an incident at a shop in Camden, north London, on October 17 last year. He had denied the charges.

Prosecutor Jon Swain had told Westminster Magistrates’ Court that there had been an “exchange of words,” after which Mr Joyce grabbed one of the teenagers, who was knocked to the floor.

“Mr Joyce continued to hold on and wrestle,” the prosecutor said. “At one point, he held him by the neck.”

Mr Swain said the second boy had tried to help his friend but was elbowed and winded.

“It’s the Crown’s case that the actions taken by Mr Joyce constituted an unjustified and unprovoked assault on both boys,” the prosecutor said.

Joyce said he was performing a “citizen’s arrest.” He was freed on conditional bail before sentencing on May 27.

Judge John Zani said: “Given my findings and your previous convictions, all options including imprisonment will be considered.”