MP Patrick Spencer ‘can be tactile’ but never disrespects anyone’s space
A close friend of MP Patrick Spencer, accused of assaulting two women at London’s Groucho Club, said he ‘can be quite tactile’ but never disrespects anyone’s personal space.
The married father-of-two is a ‘hugger’ and ‘likes to greet everyone he meets’ according to fellow MP Joy Morrissey.
Spencer, 38, has insisted it was not his intention to touch the women inappropriately and denies two counts of sexual assault.
He was elected as the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich in the 2024 general election with a majority of 4,290.
Spencer appeared in Southwark Crown Court today (Thurs) wearing a navy suit and a white shirt as his friend Alice Arnold told jurors how the MP drove to visit her when she was ‘in the trenches’.
She said: ‘When I had a daughter I was in the trenches… he was with his two-year-old at the time, but still he drove down to see me.
‘He has always shown up in that regard.
She added: ‘I say he is fun, extrovert, loyal, and a very supportive friend.’
Defending, Eleanor Laws KC then read out character references from several friends.
Christopher Beardmore, who was in the Groucho Club with Spencer at the time, said: ‘He has a big personality and can be quite tactile, but I have never known him to disrespect anyone’s personal space.’
Alexander Smith, another one of the attendees, said: ‘Patrick is friendly and fun, I have never seen Patrick behave inappropriately towards anyone.’
Friend Melissa Strong said: ‘I would describe Patrick as fun but also a caring person… He is a very tactile person but not in a pervy way.’
Ms Morrissey, the Conservative MP for Beaconsfield said: ‘Patrick was particularly hard working and would always go the extra mile for other people,’ adding she was ‘shocked’ to hear about the allegations.
His ex-flatmate Charlotte Ashcroft said: ‘I would describe Patrick as a friendly teddy bear who likes to greet everyone… he is a hugger.
‘The allegations are completely at odds with the man I know.’
Camilla Patterson, who lived in the same hall of residence as Spencer,said: ‘Patrick is a loyal friend and has a genuine interest in learning from other people.
‘He always had friends from different ethnic backgrounds.’
She said when they used to go out clubbing – often with female friends – ‘we can end up with our arms around us in a big huddle.
‘I have never seen Patrick act sleazy or inappropriately.’
Spencer, of Suffolk, was arrested in March 2025 and told police he ‘hugged lots of people that night.’
He denies two counts of sexual assault.
The trial continues.
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