Tory MP Patrick Spencer found not guilty of Groucho Club sexual assaults

Tory MP Patrick Spencer was found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault after a trial at Southwark Crown Court. The verdict came after more than seven hours of jury deliberation on July 17, 2026. Spencer, 38, was accused of touching the breasts of two women at London’s Groucho Club during a night out in August 2023. The incident occurred before he was elected to represent Central Suffolk and North Ipswich in 2024. On camera footage, Spencer is shown approaching the women from behind and wrapping his arms around them, followed by a “fist pump” toward his friends. The women alleged that he “cupped” their breasts, though Spencer claimed the actions were unintentional or misinterpreted. At his police interview, Spencer apologized for grabbing the women from behind and admitted the behavior was “not acceptable in this day and age.” However, during the trial, he insisted that he had not touched the breasts of one of the women and that the contact with the other was accidental. He explained that the “fist pump” was a reaction to the second woman pushing him away, stemming from his embarrassment rather than celebratory intent. The prosecution argued that the video footage clearly depicted two instances of unwanted physical contact, which could constitute sexual assault under UK law. Spencer’s defense team emphasized his lack of memory regarding the specific moments in question. In court, he stated that he could not recall the incidents and denied attempting to “cop a feel,” calling the situation a “moment of complete stupidity.” He described himself as “over-friendly” and acknowledged that his actions appeared inappropriate. Despite this, he maintained that he would never touch a woman’s breasts without consent and questioned whether the CCTV footage actually showed two separate sexual assaults. His wife, Anna, provided emotional testimony supporting his character, describing him as a “very nice man” and highlighting his dedication to his family and community. The case gained attention after Groucho Club staff identified Spencer following the initial allegations. However, a Metropolitan Police officer failed to take witness statements or pursue the matter further. This led to public criticism and a complaint about the stalled investigation. In response, the Met conducted a review in early 2025 and appointed a new detective to gather statements and question Spencer. The revised investigation resulted in charges being authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service within three months. Met Police Commander Andy Day acknowledged the initial shortcomings, stating that the department had taken steps to improve its handling of sexual offense cases and ensure thoroughness in future investigations. Spencer’s acquittal marked the end of a difficult period for him personally and professionally. After the verdict, he embraced his wife and broke down in tears, expressing relief that the ordeal was over. In a statement, he thanked his supporters, including constituents in his constituency, for their continued backing. He also expressed gratitude to the jury, the court, and his legal team for their roles in the process. Although the outcome does not absolve him of all responsibility, it clears him of the specific charges brought against him. The case highlights ongoing challenges in how sexual misconduct allegations are handled, particularly in public figures, and underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in such matters. The Conservative Party later restored the whip to Spencer, allowing him to continue serving as an MP. While the legal battle has concluded, the broader implications of the case remain relevant, especially in discussions surrounding consent, public perception, and the role of institutions in addressing allegations of misconduct. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the resolution of this case will likely influence future approaches to similar issues.