A UKIP candidate has been kicked out of the party after he was convicted of attacking two former bus driver colleagues.

Raymond Tuttlebee, 64, of Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester, started the fracas weeks before the county council elections.

Tuttlebee had lost his job at First buses for assaulting Terrance Brooker, a court heard.

When he spotted Mr Brooker and colleague Paul Edwards outside the Compuccino cafe in Priory Walk, Colchester he launched into a foul-mouthed attack.

Tuttlebee pushed Mr Edwards several times before he spotted Mr Brooker and turned to spit in his face, the court heard.

He swore repeatedly during the confrontation on April 25 this year.

Mr Edwards, giving evidence at the trial at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, said: “It totally unnerved me.

“I wasn’t expecting it. It knocked me off balance."

Mr Brooker, who was spat on during the incident, told the court: “It is sickening.

“I just felt physically sick so I didn’t move for a few seconds.

“He appeared very, very angry, almost out of control.”

Tuttlebee denied two charges of assault, but was found guilty after a trial.

Tuttlebee, who represented himself, claimed he had tripped on the paving and fallen into Mr Edwards.

He said the spitting occurred as a reflex after he was poked in the stomach.

He claimed the effect was worsened by the fact he wears dentures, producing additional saliva.

He was found guilty of both assaults and was fined £1,180.

After the hearing, Ron Levy, chairman of the Colchester branch of UKIP, said Tuttlebee’s Ukip membership will be terminated.

Mr Levy said: “We are disappointed.”

Speaking exclusively to the Gazette after the hearing, Raymond Tuttlebee maintained his innocence but said for the good of his party, he was prepared step down.

“I will absolutely say I am innocent on these charges,” he said. 

“This has been a total miscarriage of justice.

“I have always believed in this great British county’s justice system, but not anymore.”

He added: “I was contacted by the chairman of our UKIP branch and told a decision would be made by head office, so I’m shocked to find out my membership has been terminated.

“I have always believed in UKIP as a fair and understanding party.

“If they fell I need to step down, then I absolutely will.”