Conservative MP Patrick Spencer broke down in tears of relief after a jury cleared him of sexually assaulting two women at London's exclusive Groucho Club. The 38-year-old politician, who represents Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, had maintained throughout the trial that he merely intended to hug the women.
Incident at the Groucho Club
The incident occurred on August 12, 2023, before Spencer secured his parliamentary seat. CCTV footage showed him approaching both women from behind and putting his arms around them at the upmarket private members' club. He faced claims of cupping the breasts of both women before fist pumping in the direction of his nearby companions.
During his police interview, Spencer expressed regret for grabbing the two women, who were strangers to him, conceding it was not acceptable in this day and age. However, at Southwark Crown Court, he maintained he had not touched one woman's breasts, and any contact with the other was accidental.
Defense and Autism Diagnosis
Before the trial, Spencer's legal team sought permission to inform jurors of an autism diagnosis. Medical professionals concluded he struggled to read social cues and could be overfamiliar with friends and strangers. His barrister, Eleanor Laws KC, argued the reports might help the jury understand his conduct, including the fist pump gesture. However, Mr Justice Garnham refused to allow the evidence, deeming it irrelevant to whether Spencer committed sexual assault.
Spencer testified he had no memory of the incidents but insisted he would not have pestered the women to join him for a drink or asked intrusive questions. The women told jurors they felt shocked after being grabbed, with one saying she froze when her breasts were touched.
Jury Verdict
After more than seven hours of deliberation, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on both counts. Spencer covered his face with shaking hands, collapsed into tears, and embraced his wife Anna in the courtroom.
Met Police Commander Andy Day acknowledged the investigation initially fell below expected standards and apologized to the two women. He 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." The investigation was reviewed in March 2025, and a new team led to charges being authorized within three months. The officer who failed to gather statements faced scrutiny but no disciplinary action.
Political Consequences
Following the allegations, Spencer was stripped of the Conservative whip and served as an independent MP during the trial. His wife Anna testified in his defense, praising his parenting skills and describing him as a very nice man. Spencer is the son of Lord Michael Spencer, a billionaire Conservative Party backer.
