UKIP: John Ison was once accused of trying to strangle his wife

John Ison: The man behind the allegations against Nikki Sinclaire - all with a little help from Nigel Farage

There has been much discussion on various forums and within UKIP's leadership cabal recently, about the antics of John Ison. Particularly, his appearance in court in August 2003 to answer charges of assaulting his wife.

In fact, a look at the court records reveals that he was actually accused of trying to strangle his wife.

Although cleared due to "lack of corroborative evidence" Ison admitted striking his wife on the nose. She also suffered a bruised right leg and right arm and was signed off work by her doctor.

In his defence, Ison claimed that he was actually the victim himself, and that his wife tried to strike him first.

In fact, there may be a hint of truth in this, as we can reveal that Ison was an abused husband. In 2002 he was the victim of an assault by his wife, being punched in the face as he was driving his car. A solicitor's letter to this effect was produced during his 2003 court case.

The fact, however, that Ison was banned by court order from going near his own children hints at a sad domestic situation in which violence was all to common.

It is said that all political careers end in failure. With the disclosure of Ison's past, it would appear that his has ended before it got off the ground!