Patrick Spencer, the Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has been found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court. The verdict brings an end to a highly publicised trial that has sparked intense scrutiny over allegations dating back to August 2023.
The accusations centred on separate incidents at London's Groucho Club, where the MP was alleged to have touched the breasts of two women individually. Throughout the proceedings, Mr Spencer consistently maintained his innocence, and it is this stance that ultimately led to his acquittal by a jury comprising eight men and four women.
Deliberating for seven hours and six minutes, the jury ultimately returned a verdict of not guilty following the conclusion of the trial. In response to the news, Mr Spencer was seen visibly emotional, reportedly sobbing with relief, before embracing his wife in a poignant display of closure.
The trial has drawn widespread attention due to the MP's public position and the severity of the allegations brought against him. Despite the acquittal, the case is likely to have significant implications for Mr Spencer's future as an elected representative and will undoubtedly be subject to further scrutiny in the coming days.