10-02-2025
What is Bargain Hunt's Charles Hanson accused of in domestic violence case?
Bargain Hunt star Charles Hanson used violence against his wife over a 10-year period, which began after he put her in a headlock during an argument, a court heard today.
A jury was told how the TV auctioneer began using "sufficient force" against Rebecca Hanson from 2012 – two years after they got married – on some occasions leaving visible marks on her.
Describing the first incident of violence to the jury, the prosecution said the chartered surveyor 'held his arm around her neck, under her chin from behind her, for a few seconds before just letting go again', after she threw an empty box on the floor.
Opening the prosecution case, Stephen Kemp said: 'Rebecca does not say she lost consciousness, but she was understandably scared and shocked by what her husband had just done to her.
'When she spoke to him afterwards, he told her he felt he had to restrain her. That is not accepted by either Rebecca Hanson or the prosecution. There was no need for that, and certainly not by means of a headlock.
The prosecution also alleges that Hanson's violent behaviour in the following years "was such that it amounted to controlling or coercive behaviour".
On another occasion, in 2015, it is alleged that Hanson, of Ashbourne Road in Mackworth, Derby, 'gripped her so hard that it left three fingertip bruises on her arm' which 'really hurt her and caused her to cry'
In a message in May 2023, after the defendant allegedly pushed her twice, Mrs Hanson said to her husband: 'I shouldn't be scared of my husband, they are meant to protect you, not hurt you.'
The court heard that in a message from Hanson to his wife the following month, he said: 'You know I would never hurt you. I can go for sessions for my anger.'
The trial, which is expected to last up to two weeks, continues.
A famous face in the world of auctioneering, Hanson, 46, is known for his appearances on BBC's Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip and Flog it.
Born in Holbrook, Derbyshire, he began his career at Christies in London in 1999 before establishing his own auction house, Hansons, in 2005, according to his website.
Building on the successes of his Derbyshire site, he went on to launch Hansons London, in 2018, with his business now running salesrooms in several parts of the UK.
The chartered surveyor became the youngest expert on Bargain Hunt after joining the show in 2002, aged 25.
He lived with his wife Rebecca Ludlam and their two children in a £1.5m property in rural Derbyshire since 2014, but was understood to have since moved out of the six-bedroom home, according to the Telegraph.
Hanson appeared at Derby Crown Court on 10 February charged with controlling or coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and assault by beating.
He denied all charges during a court appearance in February last year.
In a statement shared previously with MailOnline, he said: 'I deny all the charges. I have never behaved aggressively or unlawfully towards my family.
'We have been through some difficult times in our marriage and it is extremely sad that this has become a criminal matter. I will be cooperating fully with the investigation and legal process.'
Michael Baggott death: Flog It star and antiques expert dies, aged 65 (The Independent)
Antiques Road Trip star Ishy Khan's life off-camera: from jet-setting lifestyle to job away from show (Hello!)
Eric Morecambe's glasses fetch £20,000 at auction (PA Media)
