An MP has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault at one of London’s most famous private members’ clubs.
Patrick Spencer was the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich until the party whip was removed following the charge last month.
The 37-year-old currently sits as an independent MP in the House of Commons.
Spencer is alleged to have cupped the breasts of two women over their clothes at Soho’s Groucho club on an evening in August 2023 – before he was elected to Parliament.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning, where he confirmed his name and date of birth before pleading not guilty to the offences.
Lawyers representing the MP said last month he ‘categorically denies the claims’.
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They added: ‘He has cooperated fully with the police investigation from the moment he became aware of it and he will defend the allegations robustly in court.
‘Given that the proceedings are now on foot, no further comment will be made.’
Spencer will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on July 14 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Frank Ferguson, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: ‘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.’
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