MP Patrick Spencer found not guilty of sexually assaulting two women at private members' club

An MP says his "nightmare is over" after he was found not guilty of sexually assaulting two women at a private members' club in central London.

Patrick Spencer, 38, was seen on camera coming up behind two women and putting his arms around them during a night out at the Groucho Club in August 2023. He was accused of "cupping" their breasts.

The Conservative politician was suspended by the Tories in May last year and sat in parliament as an independent after being charged with sexual assault. Following Friday's acquittal, his suspension has been lifted.

Mr Spencer broke down in tears in court as he was cleared, after insisting he just wanted to give the women a hug.

Southwark Crown Court heard that when questioned by police, Mr Spencer called himself "gregarious" and "overfriendly" and was sorry for a "moment of complete stupidity".

The MP denied two counts of sexual assault which were said to have taken place while he was a guest at the venue.

At trial, Mr Spencer insisted he had not touched the breasts of one of the women, while contact with the other had been accidental and unintentional.

He said the gesture he made after the second woman pushed him away was due to him being "mortified" that she rejected his hug, rather than celebrating groping her.

In other evidence in court, Mr Spencer insisted he would never touch a woman's breasts without consent and disputed whether CCTV footage showed two sexual assaults.

The women told jurors they were left "shocked" after being grabbed by Mr Spencer, and one said she "froze" when she says her breasts were touched.

A jury deliberated for just over seven hours before finding Mr Spencer not guilty of two sexual assault counts.

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After the verdict, Mr Spencer said in a statement: "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.

"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."

He added that he was "looking forward to getting home to see my kids and getting back to work representing my constituents".

He was elected as Tory MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich in 2024.

A Conservative Party spokesman said on Friday: "Patrick Spencer MP has been found not guilty.

"His suspension from the Conservative Party has been lifted and the Conservative Whip has been restored."

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