MP Patrick Spencer was acquitted by a jury of allegations of sexually assaulting two women at London’s Groucho Club. Spencer, a 38-year-old Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich since 2024, was captured on camera approaching two women from behind and embracing them at the private club in August 2023.
Accused of touching the women inappropriately, Spencer admitted during police questioning that his actions were inappropriate. However, during the trial at Southwark Crown Court, he maintained that he did not touch one woman’s breasts intentionally and that any contact with the other woman was accidental.
After a seven-hour deliberation, the jury found Spencer not guilty of the sexual assault charges. He was visibly emotional as the verdict was delivered, breaking down in tears and embracing his wife Anna in court. Spencer, the son of billionaire Conservative Party donor Lord Michael Spencer, faced the incidents at the Groucho Club before his parliamentary election.
Spencer recounted his day’s activities, including consuming alcohol at various events, but claimed he could not recall the specific incidents in question. While the women testified feeling shocked and frozen by his actions, Spencer described himself as overfriendly but denied any deliberate misconduct.
Following a review prompted by a stalled investigation, the Metropolitan Police expressed regret for their initial handling of the case and vowed to prioritize investigations into violence against women. Despite the tumult surrounding the case, no disciplinary actions were taken against the officer who mishandled witness statements.
Supported by his wife throughout the trial, Spencer, who temporarily sat as an independent MP, was praised for his parenting skills and described as a kind individual by his wife while in court.