MP Patrick Spencer broke down in tears as he was cleared by a jury of sexually assaulting two women at London's Groucho Club, insisting he just wanted to give them a hug. The 38-year-old Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich was seen on CCTV coming up behind two women and putting his arms around them at the private members' club during a night out in August 2023.
Allegations and Defense
Mr. Spencer was accused of “cupping” the breasts of both women before “fist pumping” towards his friends nearby. In his police interview, he apologized for grabbing the two strangers from behind, conceding it was “not acceptable in this day and age.” However, at trial at Southwark Crown Court, he insisted he had not touched one woman's breasts, and contact with the other was accidental and unintentional. He said the gesture after the second woman pushed him away was due to being “mortified” that she rejected his hug, not celebrating groping her.
Verdict and Reaction
The jury deliberated for just over seven hours before finding Mr. Spencer not guilty of two counts of sexual assault. He covered his face with shaking hands as the verdicts were delivered and broke down in tears before embracing his wife Anna in court. Mr. Spencer is the son of Lord Michael Spencer, a billionaire Conservative Party donor.
Context of the Incident
The incidents occurred on August 12, 2023, before Mr. Spencer was elected to Parliament. He told the court he had drunk red wine with his father at lunch, beers at Twickenham watching an England rugby match, and wine and negroni cocktails at the club. He said he cannot recall the incidents but insisted he would not have pestered the women to drink with him or asked personal questions. The women told jurors they were left “shocked” and one said she “froze” when her breasts were touched.
Police Investigation
Mr. Spencer was identified by Groucho Club staff after the allegations, but a Metropolitan Police officer failed to pursue the investigation and did not take statements from the women. After a complaint, the Met reviewed the case in early 2025, bringing in a new detective who gathered statements and questioned the MP. Met Police Commander Andy Day said: “We acknowledge that this investigation initially fell below the high standards we would expect, and we have apologised to the two women who made reports. Following concerns around the pace of the investigation, it was reviewed in March 2025 and following leadership by a new investigation team, charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service within three months.” The officer who failed to take witness statements was investigated but no disciplinary proceedings were brought.
Aftermath
Mr. Spencer lost the Tory whip after being charged and sat in Parliament as an independent while awaiting trial. He was supported in court by his wife Anna, who praised his parenting skills and described him as a “very nice man.”
