Bargain Hunt star Charles Hanson has been accused of subjecting his wife to a decade of abuse, as revealed in court. The TV personality allegedly attacked his estranged wife, Rebecca Hanson, over the course of 10 years, with incidents including putting her in a headlock and throwing a phone at her. The court heard shocking details of the alleged abuse, which took place at the couple’s £1.5 million home in Derbyshire.
Rebecca Hanson expressed her fear of her husband in a text message to her mother, stating that she was tired of being scared of him due to the violence she endured every six months. The court proceedings at Derby Crown Court also outlined that Charles Hanson faces several charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, cruelty, assault by beating, and coercive and controlling behaviour. The renowned auctioneer, known for his appearances on shows like Flog It! and Antiques Roadtrip, appeared in court in a dark grey suit as the trial commenced.
The prosecution highlighted that the marriage began happily in 2008 but deteriorated into episodes of violence starting around 2012, with controlling behaviour emerging in 2015. Jurors were informed about a series of violent incidents, with Rebecca Hanson documenting these occurrences by taking photographs and noting date and time stamps. The court was presented with evidence suggesting that Charles Hanson’s actions instilled fear in his wife, leading her to believe that he would resort to violence on multiple occasions.
Prosecutor Stephen Kemp detailed the alleged assaults, describing instances where Hanson reportedly grabbed Rebecca forcefully, leaving bruises and causing emotional distress. Furthermore, the court heard how Hanson’s behaviour escalated during arguments, culminating in violent outbursts such as throwing objects at his wife. Despite the distressing nature of the accusations, it was noted that Rebecca Hanson did not seek medical attention for physical injuries sustained during the alleged assaults.
The prosecution emphasised the cumulative impact of Charles Hanson’s actions, portraying them as a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour aimed at instilling fear in his wife. The trial proceedings shed light on specific incidents where Rebecca recalls her husband using physical force against her, prompting her to take measures to protect herself and document the abuse. The court also reviewed text messages exchanged between the couple, revealing differing accounts of the confrontations and the use of force by Charles Hanson.
As the trial continues, Charles Hanson maintains his innocence, denying all charges brought against him. The proceedings have brought to light a distressing narrative of alleged domestic abuse and control within the context of a high-profile marriage. Amidst the legal scrutiny, the case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of such issues in society and the importance of addressing and confronting them within relationships.
This ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of raising awareness about domestic abuse and the need for support mechanisms for individuals facing such situations. As the court delves deeper into the allegations against Charles Hanson, the spotlight remains on the complexities of abuse dynamics and the lasting impact on survivors. The outcome of this trial will not only shape the narrative of this particular case but also have broader implications for conversations surrounding domestic abuse and coercive control.