Conservative MP Patrick Spencer is accused of sexually assaulting two women at London's exclusive Groucho Club in August 2023, a court has heard. Spencer, 38, denies the charges of grabbing the women's breasts from behind during a night out at the private members' club.
One of the complainants told Southwark Crown Court that she was "shocked" when her breasts were grabbed by a man who had persistently tried to engage her in conversation and offer her a drink. She described the man as "being a bit of a pest" and said she felt he was invading her personal space when he asked about her marital status.
The second alleged victim stated that she "froze" when Spencer cupped her breasts, describing the action as "forceful." She also indicated that Spencer appeared "inebriated" and "pestered" her to try a drink he had bought, putting his arms around the women and leaning in, making them feel uncomfortable.
CCTV footage played in court showed Spencer approaching one of the alleged victims from behind, placing his arms around her, and allegedly grabbing her breasts before she pushed his hands away. Spencer can be seen making a hand gesture with a clenched fist as the woman departs. His defense barrister, Eleanor Laws KC, argued during cross-examination that the footage demonstrated Spencer "barely touched" the first woman, a claim she disputed, stating there was contact and she pushed away.
Spencer, whose full name is Michael Patrick Spencer, was elected as the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich in the 2024 general election. He had the Conservative whip withdrawn after the charges were brought last year. During a police interview, he described his behavior that night as "overfriendly" but maintained he did not intend to touch either woman "inappropriately."
The court heard that Spencer was confronted about his behavior and asked to leave the Groucho Club. He was identified as the man in the CCTV footage the following year. The trial is ongoing.