MP arrives at court for sexual assault trial

An MP has arrived at court for a trial after being accused of two counts of sexual assault alleged to have taken place at London's Groucho Club.

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP, Patrick Spencer, pleaded not guilty to two assaults on two women on the same day in August 2023 - before he was elected.

The 38-year-old's trial is taking place at Southwark Crown Court and is expected to last between four and five days.

Spencer was elected a Conservative MP in July 2024 and the party removed the whip in 2025, meaning he now sits an independent MP.

He is a father of two, and the son of billionaire businessman and Tory peer Michael Spencer.

MPs who receive a custodial sentence of one year or more immediately lose their seat, unless there is an appeal.

If an MP receives a custodial sentence of less than a year a "recall petition" is triggered in their constituency.

When Spencer was charged, Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, we have authorised two counts of sexual assault against Patrick Spencer MP.

"The charges follow two alleged incidents involving two separate women at the Groucho Club in central London in August 2023.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

The Groucho is a private members' club in Soho's Dean Street.

It opened in 1985 and became a well-known haunt of celebrities and media figures.

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