THE former leader of Ukip in Thurrock has denied drinking driving after a party attended by Nigel Farage.

Robert Ray, 65, who has been a councillor since May 2012, denied one charge of drink driving when he appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The Aveley and Uplands ward councillor had been at Orsett Hall for a fundraising dinner with the party's national leader Nigel Farage and the Thurrock candidate for next year's general election, Tim Aker.

The court heard that Ray and his wife left the Ukip bash, held at around 2am on Friday, June 13.

He was told by staff not to drive home but it is alleged they ignored the warnings, got in to his car and drove a short distance across the car park.

His solicitor, Jeremy Sirrell, told the court there is legal argument about whether the alleged incident happened in a public place.

The East of England Ambulance confirmed that they were called to the car park after a woman aged in her seventies suffered a fall shortly before the incident.

She was taken to Basildon Hospital for further treatment.

Ray stepped down as leader of Ukip in Thurrock in August.

Speaking at the time, he said he did want his current court case to distract from the party.

Ray’s case was adjourned until February 2, where he will appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court to stand trial.

He was released on unconditional bail.