Patrick Spencer, Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has described his alleged actions at London's Groucho Club in August 2023 as a "moment of complete stupidity", as he faces trial on two charges of sexual assault against two women.
During his police interview, which was shown to him on CCTV footage, Spencer conceded that his actions "looked leery" and acknowledged that it is not acceptable to approach someone from behind or touch them without a close relationship. He told the court: "I don't think it's acceptable in this day and age."
The MP, who is the son of billionaire Conservative donor Lord Michael Spencer, described himself as "overfriendly" with a "gregarious" personality, but conceded that his actions on 12 August 2023 were inappropriate. He claimed to have been "fine, in high spirits, merry" when entering the Groucho Club, having consumed several beers while watching an England v Wales rugby match at Twickenham earlier that day.
One of the alleged victims testified that she was left frozen after feeling her breasts being touched, while the other described being left in shock. The trial heard that following one of the alleged assaults, Spencer made a hand gesture with his fist towards his group of friends, which he struggled to explain, describing it as a "boorish, laddish hand movement".
When questioned by his barrister, Eleanor Laws KC, about whether he deliberately placed his hands on either woman or intended to sexually assault anyone, Spencer denied both allegations. He told the court that he was ejected from the club that night, but later returned for an unrelated family event.
Spencer reiterated his apologies to the two women and anyone involved, stating: "I can only imagine how upsetting it clearly was and is."