TV auctioneer Charles Hanson, who appeared popularly on the BBC's Bargain Hunt and Flog It!, is standing trial at Derby Crown Court for nearly a decade-long string of accusations of domestic violence. The 46-year-old has pleaded not guilty to one count of controlling or coercive behaviour, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating following a June 2023 arrest.
Allegations of Long-Term Domestic Abuse
Prosecutors allege that Hanson's physically violent treatment of his wife, Rebecca Hanson, began in 2012, two years after they were wed. Prosecutors allege he shoved, scratched, grabbed, and committed other acts of physical aggression.
The most severe of the allegations concerns an altercation in 2012 in which Hanson is alleged to have placed his pregnant wife in a headlock, leaving her "paralysed with fear" (LBC).
The May 2023 Incident That Resulted in His Arrest
The Hanson case escalated following a May 2023 altercation, during which he allegedly pushed his wife in an attempt to distract her from TikTok.
In an August 2023 letter to the investigating officer, Hanson admitted the shove but portrayed it as a "double tap" rather than a push. He apologized and explained:
"I pushed her right shoulder so as to jolt her backwards. to show my annoyance at her dreadful language, her rudeness towards me."
But his wife testified that these and other incidents were part of a pattern of abuse that went on for many years.
Hanson's Defense: Denying the Assault Allegations
When questioned under cross-examination, Hanson denied any intent to harm his wife. He testified:
"There was never an attack. I think her actions were completely unreasonable. It was disorienting, seeing her wave her arms and fists about in front of her. I was concerned for her welfare."
He also insisted that he had only "tapped her shoulder to attract her attention to bad language."
A Pattern of Alleged Abuse Over the Years
Rebecca Hanson also described numerous incidents in which she stated that her husband attacked her.
- Hanson apparently grabbed her by the throat, frightening her when she was pregnant in 2012.
- In a March 2020 lockdown row, Hanson allegedly thrown a phone at her.
- She explained to the court that violent arguments happened every six months for ten years, so she documented bruises and spoke with her parents (The Sun).
Text Messages Introduced into Court
The court also saw texts between the pair. In one text, Rebecca Hanson sent to her husband:
"Don't chuck your wife around."
Hanson, though, refuted that he had ever done so, claiming:
"I never chucked my wife around. I was a fool under her control."
Another text message from Hanson only days before his arrest was:
"I promise I will never lay a finger on you again."
This was cited as evidence that Hanson had a violent history, while he insisted it was taken out of context (The Times).
Hanson Claims His Wife Wanted to End Their Marriage
Hanson suggested Rebecca had exaggerated her claims as a way of leaving the marriage. He told the court:
"I don't think that she saw a future with me. I don't think my wife ever actually in our life loved me. She saw it as a marriage of affiliation on who I was."
He also questioned her sanity and trustworthiness, stating:
"I had serious reservations about my wife's reliability."
Hanson's Arrest and Continuing Trial
When arrested in June 2023, Hanson was caught swearing on bodycam footage, appearing shocked and frustrated. He described the situation \\"completely bonkers\\" and asserted that he was a \\"good guy\\" (The Scottish Sun).
The trial, initiated in February 2025, continues, with Hanson asserting his innocence.
Hanson's Career and Public Reaction
Charles Hanson made himself known as an antiques authority, starting work at Christie's in 1999. He then became renowned through Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip, and Flog It!.
Although he is highly successful professionally, these claims have damaged his public reputation. Coverage of the trial in the media has incited debate on domestic abuse, particularly when famous people are implicated.
What Happens Next?
As the trial progresses, the court will decide the facts surrounding these grave allegations. The case brings out the intricacies of domestic abuse allegations and the judicial process in handling them.
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