Tory MP Patrick Spencer Cleared of Groucho Club Sexual Assaults 2026

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, 38, was found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault by a jury at Southwark crown court following a high-profile trial. The verdict has drawn intense public scrutiny, given Spencer's political position and his family background as the son of billionaire Tory donor Michael Spencer.

What Happened at the Groucho Club?

The alleged incidents occurred in August 2023, less than a year before Spencer was elected to the seat of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. Surveillance footage showed Spencer coming up behind two women 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 towards friends nearby.

During his police interview, Spencer apologized for grabbing hold of the two women from behind, conceding it was “not acceptable in this day and age.” However, at trial, he insisted he had not touched the breasts of one woman, and contact with the other was unintentional. He described the gesture after the second woman pushed him away as being “mortified” that she rejected his hug, not celebrating the groping.

The Trial and Verdict

The trial lasted several days, with the jury deliberating for just over seven hours before returning a not guilty verdict. Spencer covered his face with shaking hands as the verdicts were delivered, and broke down in tears before embracing his wife, Anna, in court. Afterward, he 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.”

Key Evidence Presented

The prosecution relied heavily on CCTV footage and witness testimony. Spencer told the court he had consumed red wine with his father at lunch, beers at Twickenham while watching an England rugby match, and drank wine and negroni cocktails at the members’ club. He claimed he could not recall the incidents at the center of the trial and insisted he would not have pestered the two women to have a drink with him or asked personal questions about one's marriage.

Reactions and Implications

The verdict has sparked debate about accountability for public figures and the role of alcohol in such cases. Spencer's political future remains uncertain, though he retains his seat. Critics argue the case highlights the difficulties in prosecuting sexual assault, while supporters point to the jury's decision as proof of his innocence.

Key Takeaways

• Patrick Spencer was found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault after a trial at Southwark crown court.
• The alleged incidents occurred at the Groucho Club in London in August 2023.
• Spencer claimed he intended only to hug the women and that any contact was unintentional.
• The jury deliberated for over seven hours before reaching a unanimous verdict.
• The case has raised questions about consent, alcohol consumption, and the behavior of elected officials.

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