MP Patrick Spencer cleared of sexual assault charges

Why it matters: Spencer, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, had faced allegations that could have cost him his seat had he been convicted. The jury's unanimous decision on both counts brings the case to a close.

The details: The charges related to an incident at London's Groucho Club on 12 August 2023, where two women alleged Spencer had approached them from behind and touched their breasts without consent. Spencer denied both charges throughout the trial, telling the court he had not intentionally touched either woman and that there had been no sexual intent behind his actions.

Jurors retired to consider their verdicts on 16 July and returned not guilty verdicts on both counts on 17 July, after the judge, Mr Justice Neil Garnham, offered them the option of a majority verdict.

Background: Spencer, 38, was elected as the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich in July 2024. He was charged by the Metropolitan Police in May 2025, at which point the Conservative Party withdrew the whip. He has since sat as an Independent MP. He entered a not guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 16 June 2025.

During the trial, the BBC reported that Spencer told police the incident had been a "moment of complete stupidity" and that his behaviour had "looked terrible," while maintaining he had not acted with sexual intent. His wife, Anna, gave evidence describing him as "kind, gentle and compassionate."

What's next: With the acquittal, Spencer retains his seat and no recall process will be triggered. It is not known if he will be handed back the whip from the Conservative party.

The bottom line: After a four-day trial examining an alleged incident at a London club nearly three years ago, a jury has cleared Patrick Spencer of both counts of sexual assault.

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