MP Patrick Spencer was emotional as a jury acquitted him of two counts of sexual assault at London’s Groucho Club. The 38-year-old Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, elected in 2024, was captured on camera embracing two women at the private club in August 2023.
Accused of touching the women inappropriately, Spencer admitted during a police interview that his actions were not acceptable by today’s standards. However, he maintained his innocence during the trial, stating that the contact with one woman was accidental and the gesture towards the other was out of embarrassment for being rejected.
After deliberating for over seven hours, the jury found Spencer not guilty, leading to an emotional reaction from him in court where he embraced his wife. Spencer, the son of billionaire Conservative Party donor Lord Michael Spencer, faced the allegations before his parliamentary election.
He explained that he had been drinking throughout the day of the incident and could not recall the events clearly. Spencer denied intentionally harassing the women and emphasized his respectful behavior towards women.
The Met Police’s handling of the case faced criticism, with a new detective taking over in 2025 to reexamine the allegations. The police acknowledged their initial shortcomings and reassured the public of their commitment to investigating such reports thoroughly and promptly.
Despite losing the Conservative whip when charged, Spencer continued his parliamentary duties as an independent until his trial. His wife supported him in court, testifying to his character and parenting skills.
