Television auctioneer and Bargain Hunt star Charles Hanson is facing trial at Derby Crown Court over allegations of domestic violence against his wife, Rebecca Hanson. The court has heard that the abuse spanned a ten-year period, beginning in 2012, just two years after the couple were married.
The jury was informed that Hanson, 46, used “sufficient force” to leave visible marks on his wife on multiple occasions. He faces charges of controlling or coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and assault by beating. Hanson has denied all allegations, with his plea entered during a court appearance in February last year.
Allegations of repeated violence
The prosecution detailed that the first alleged incident of violence took place in 2012 during an argument, where Hanson is accused of placing his wife in a headlock. Prosecutor Stephen Kemp told the jury that Hanson “put his arm around her neck and then put her into a headlock” after she threw an empty box on the floor. It was stated that he held his arm under her chin from behind for a few seconds before releasing her.
Rebecca Hanson allegedly estimated that, from that moment onwards, her husband would resort to violence approximately “every six months or so” over the following decade. During Monday’s court session, Hanson, dressed in a black suit and green tie, was seen shaking his head in the dock as the prosecution recounted the allegations against him.
The jury was told that following this first incident, Mrs Hanson confided in her mother. A message she sent that same day read: “Just to let you know that Charles is being pretty nasty to me at the moment.”
Mr Kemp explained that over the years, Rebecca Hanson would occasionally share her distress with both her mother and her husband’s mother, Gillian Hanson, due to ongoing violence and other strains within the marriage.
Further incidents and escalation
One of the later alleged incidents occurred in May 2022, when the couple reportedly argued over the layout of their kitchen. The prosecution stated that Hanson grabbed his wife “so forcefully that he left a red mark on her shoulder.”
In another instance, in May 2023, Mrs Hanson alleged that her husband had pushed her twice, prompting her to send him a message saying: “I shouldn’t be scared of my husband, they are meant to protect you, not hurt you.”
The court heard that by early 2023, Rebecca Hanson had reached a point where she felt she had to leave her husband. As a result, the couple sought the help of a marriage counsellor in an attempt to resolve their issues.
During the trial, a message from Hanson to his wife in June 2023 was presented to the jury. In the message, he reportedly wrote: “You know I would never hurt you. I can go for sessions for my anger.” The prosecution suggested that this indicated an acknowledgment of his aggressive behaviour.
Hanson’s arrest and denial of charges
Hanson was arrested at his home in June 2023. During police questioning, he “denied having grabbed, poked or squeezed” his wife and refuted the allegations of physical abuse.
The charge of controlling or coercive behaviour covers the period between 2015 and 2023, as the offence was only legally recognised from 29th December 2015 onwards. Mr Kemp clarified to the jury: “It did not come into force, that offence, until the 29th of December 2015. Until that date, whatever behaviour took place beforehand, it could not be an offence of controlling or coercive behaviour.”
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Trial continues
The trial is expected to continue as further evidence is presented and witness testimonies are heard. The case has drawn considerable attention, given Hanson’s public persona as a well-known television auctioneer, recognised for his appearances on Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip.
If found guilty, Hanson could face serious legal consequences for his alleged actions. The court proceedings will determine whether the accusations against him hold merit, as both the prosecution and defence continue to make their cases before the jury.
