Tory MP Patrick Spencer found not guilty of Groucho Club sexual assaults
Conservative MP Patrick Spencer has been acquitted of two counts of sexual assault following a trial at Southwark crown court. The jury reached the verdict after Spencer testified that the physical contact was either unintentional or a failed attempt at a friendly gesture.
Why it matters
The case involves a sitting member of Parliament and raises questions regarding conduct and public accountability for elected officials.
Spencer arriving at Southwark crown court for the verdict on Friday. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA Spencer arriving at Southwark crown court for the verdict on Friday. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA Conservatives Tory MP Patrick Spencer found not guilty of Groucho Club sexual assaults MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich cleared over incident at London members’ club in 2023
Prefer the Guardian on Google A Conservative MP has been cleared of sexually assaulting two women at the Groucho Club in London after claiming that he just wanted to give them a hug.
Patrick Spencer was seen on camera coming up behind two women and putting his arms around them at the private members’ club during a night out in August 2023, less than a year before he was elected to the seat of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.
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