An MP has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault alleged to have taken place at London's Groucho Club. Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Patrick Spencer is accused of two assaults on two women on the same day in August 2023 - before he was elected. The 37-year-old, who became a Conservative MP at the 2024 general election, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court. He is due to appear next at Southwark Crown Court on 14 July for a plea and trial preparation hearing. Mr Spencer stood in the dock to confirm his name as Michael Patrick Spencer and his date of birth. District Judge Paul Goldspring told the MP, whose address was given in court as Suffolk, he was on unconditional bail. The charges were first brought against Mr Spencerin May. Frank Ferguson, head of the special crime and counter terrorism division at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), previously 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 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.
Tory MP Patrick Spencer pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges
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"Patrick Spencer, MP, Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Assault Charges"
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Patrick Spencer, the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault. The allegations involve incidents that reportedly occurred at London's Groucho Club in August 2023, prior to his election as an MP in the 2024 general election. During an appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court, the 37-year-old confirmed his identity, stating his full name as Michael Patrick Spencer and providing his date of birth. The district judge overseeing the case, Paul Goldspring, informed Spencer that he would remain on unconditional bail as the legal proceedings continue. The charges against him were formally brought forth in May after a review of evidence by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Frank Ferguson, who leads the special crime and counter-terrorism division at the CPS, confirmed that the charges stem from two separate alleged incidents involving two different women at the private members' club.
The Groucho Club, located in Soho's Dean Street, has been a prominent venue since its opening in 1985, frequented by celebrities and media personalities. The upcoming court proceedings will take place at Southwark Crown Court on July 14, where Spencer is expected to attend a plea and trial preparation hearing. The legal situation has garnered significant attention given Spencer's recent election to Parliament and the serious nature of the allegations. As the case progresses, it will be closely monitored both by the public and media, particularly in light of ongoing discussions around accountability and conduct among public officials. Spencer's not guilty plea indicates that he intends to contest the charges, and the outcome of the hearings will be significant not only for him personally but also for his political career and public perception.
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