Episode Details

After a tense seven-hour deliberation, Patrick Spencer, the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, was acquitted of two sexual assault charges tied to incidents at the Groucho Club in August 2023 — before he was even elected. Spencer claimed he meant to offer friendly embraces to two strangers, calling the contact accidental and expressing regret for grabbing them, though denying any intent to grope. Prosecutors alleged he “cupped” both women’s breasts and made a “fist pumping” gesture, while the women described feeling shocked and frozen. Spencer, who was intoxicated, called the moment “complete stupidity” but insisted he would never touch a woman’s breasts without consent. The case was delayed after police failed to obtain initial statements from the victims, prompting a March 2025 review that led to a new investigation and charges within three months — with the Met later apologizing for the mishandling. Spencer, now an independent MP after losing his Tory whip, broke down in court after the verdict, as his defense argued for expert testimony on his behavior — a request the judge rejected. With the jury’s decision, Spencer is free to resume his parliamentary duties without the cloud of these allegations.

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