MP Patrick Spencer was emotional as he was acquitted by a jury of sexually assaulting two women at London’s Groucho Club. Spencer, a 38-year-old Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, claimed he only intended to embrace the women. The incident, captured on camera, showed Spencer putting his arms around the women at the private club in August 2023.
Accused of touching the women inappropriately, Spencer admitted during a police interview that his actions were unacceptable in today’s society. However, at the trial in Southwark Crown Court, he maintained that he did not touch one woman’s breasts and that the contact with the other woman was accidental.
After a seven-hour deliberation, the jury found Spencer not guilty on two counts of sexual assault. Overwhelmed with emotion, Spencer covered his face with his hands and embraced his wife in the courtroom. Spencer, the son of billionaire Conservative Party donor Lord Michael Spencer, faced the allegations before his election to Parliament.
During the trial, Spencer stated that he could not recall the specific incidents but denied pressuring the women or making inappropriate advances. The women testified that they were shocked by Spencer’s actions, with one woman freezing when she felt her breasts were touched.
Spencer described his behavior as overfriendly and attributed it to his outgoing personality. He insisted that he would never touch a woman without consent and disputed the interpretation of the CCTV footage showing the incidents. Spencer expressed surprise at being removed from the club, believing it was due to his behavior being boisterous or accidental.
Following complaints about the initial police investigation, a review was conducted, and new charges were authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service. The Metropolitan Police acknowledged the shortcomings of the initial investigation and emphasized their commitment to addressing violence against women.
Spencer, who lost his party affiliation after being charged, has been sitting in Parliament as an independent pending the trial. He received support from his wife throughout the legal proceedings, with her testimony highlighting his positive attributes and character.