Patrick Spencer Cleared of Groucho Club Assault Claims
Traveloasisspot.com – Conservative politician Patrick Spencer experienced an emotional moment in court as a jury delivered not guilty verdicts on two sexual assault charges. The 38-year-old MP, who represents Central Suffolk and North Ipswich following his 2024 election victory, was seen wiping away tears while holding his wife Anna’s hand after the decision was announced at Southwark Crown Court.
The allegations stemmed from an evening at London’s exclusive Groucho Club on August 12, 2023, which occurred before Spencer’s parliamentary election. Security footage captured the politician approaching two women from behind and wrapping his arms around them during what was meant to be a casual night out.
What Happened That Night
According to the women’s testimony, Spencer grabbed them unexpectedly from behind. One woman described feeling frozen when she believed her breast was touched, while both expressed shock at the sudden physical contact. The allegations included claims that Spencer cupped both women’s breasts before making what appeared to be a celebratory fist-pumping gesture toward his friends nearby.
Spencer’s version of events differed significantly. He maintained that any contact with one woman’s breast was unintentional, while he never touched the other woman’s breast at all. When the second woman pushed him away, Spencer claimed his subsequent gesture reflected embarrassment at being rejected for a hug rather than celebrating inappropriate contact.
“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.”
The jury spent just over seven hours deliberating before reaching their decision. Spencer, visibly shaken, covered his face with trembling hands as the verdicts were read aloud in court.
Drinking and Confusion
During his testimony, Spencer explained his alcohol consumption that evening. He reported drinking red wine with his father at lunch, followed by beers while watching England rugby at Twickenham, and finally wine and negroni cocktails at the members’ club. Spencer admitted he could not clearly remember the specific incidents at the center of the trial.
Despite his memory gaps, Spencer insisted he would not have bothered the women to join him for drinks or asked intrusive personal questions about one woman’s marriage. He characterized himself as naturally overfriendly with a gregarious personality, acknowledging in his police interview that his behavior “looks terrible” but denying any attempt to “cop a feel.”
Investigation Delays and Corrections
A significant issue emerged regarding how the Metropolitan Police handled the initial investigation. Spencer was identified by Groucho Club staff following the allegations, yet a Met officer failed to properly pursue the case. The investigating officer did not even obtain statements from the two women who made the complaints.
After complaints about the stalled investigation, the Met conducted a review in early 2025. A new detective was assigned to gather statements and question Spencer formally. Met Police Commander Andy Day publicly acknowledged the department’s shortcomings.
“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.”
Following leadership changes and the March 2025 review, charges were eventually authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Family and Community Support
Spencer is the son of Lord Michael Spencer, a prominent billionaire donor to the Conservative Party. In his post-verdict statement, the MP expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him through the proceedings.
“I would like to thank the jury, the court, my legal team and most importantly, my incredible wife, children, family, friends and colleagues – whose support has been unwavering throughout.”
Spencer also thanked his constituents, many of whom had reached out with reassuring messages. He indicated he was eager to return home to his children and resume his parliamentary duties representing Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.
The MP noted he was surprised to be ejected from the Groucho Club but assumed it was for being loud, knocking over someone’s glass, or bumping into another member rather than the assault allegations.
