Conservative MP Patrick Spencer has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting two women at the Groucho Club in London, a case that drew significant media attention. The jury at Southwark crown court deliberated for just over seven hours before delivering the verdict on Friday. Spencer, who represents Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming he only intended to give the women a hug.
What Happened at the Groucho Club?
The incident occurred in August 2023, less than a year before Spencer was elected to Parliament. Surveillance footage showed Spencer approaching two women from behind and putting his arms around them at the private members' club. He was accused of cupping the breasts of both women, who he did not know, before making a fist-pumping gesture toward his friends. During his police interview, Spencer apologized for grabbing the women and admitted it was "not acceptable in this day and age".
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Trial Testimony and Defense
In court, Spencer insisted he had not touched one woman's breasts and described contact with the other as unintentional. He claimed the fist-pump gesture was due to being "mortified" that his hug was rejected, not a celebration of groping. The MP, son of billionaire Conservative donor Michael Spencer, testified that he had consumed red wine with his father at lunch, beers at Twickenham during an England rugby match, and wine and negroni cocktails at the club. He said he could not recall the incidents and would not have pestered the women or asked personal questions about one's marriage.
Verdict and Reaction
The jury found Spencer not guilty of two counts of sexual assault. As the verdicts were read, the MP covered his face with shaking hands, broke down in tears, and embraced his wife, Anna, in court. Afterward, Spencer stated: "Our shared nightmare is now over. I have always maintained my innocence, and today's not guilty verdict draws a very long and challenging period in my life to a close."
Comparison of Key Evidence
| Evidence Type | Prosecution Claim | Defense Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance footage | Shows Spencer cupping breasts | Shows Spencer attempting a hug |
| Fist-pump gesture | Celebration of groping | Reaction to embarrassment |
| Alcohol consumption | Impairment led to assault | No memory of events, but no intent |
| Women's testimony | Unwanted sexual touching | Unintentional contact |
Key Takeaways from the Case
- Patrick Spencer is a Conservative MP elected in 2024, son of billionaire donor Michael Spencer.
- The incident took place at the exclusive Groucho Club in London in August 2023.
- Spencer was cleared of two counts of sexual assault after a jury trial.
- The defense argued his actions were misinterpreted as a friendly hug.
- The verdict has sparked debate about consent and public figures.
FAQ
What was Patrick Spencer accused of?
Patrick Spencer was accused of sexually assaulting two women by cupping their breasts at the Groucho Club in London in August 2023.
What was the verdict in the Patrick Spencer trial?
The jury found Patrick Spencer not guilty of two counts of sexual assault after over seven hours of deliberation.
How did Patrick Spencer defend himself in court?
Spencer claimed he only intended to give the women a hug, that any breast contact was unintentional, and that his fist-pump gesture was due to embarrassment, not celebration.
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