Bargain Hunt auctioneer Charles Hanson has been acquitted of allegations of coercive control and assault involving his wife. The 46-year-old faced accusations of violence against Rebecca Hanson over an eight-year period, with charges stemming from his arrest in June 2023. Hanson, who resides in Mackworth, Derby, denied claims of controlling or coercive behavior from 2015 to 2023, as well as two assault charges related to incidents in 2015 and 2023.
During the trial, Hanson asserted that it was his wife who had exerted control over him, describing himself as “almost a slave” to her and stating that she left him “a beaten and broken man.” Rebecca Hanson alleged that her husband had been violent, claiming he put her in a headlock in 2012 while she was pregnant with a child she later lost. She also accused him of grabbing her, scratching her during a struggle for a mobile phone, and pushing her twice during an argument.
Hanson testified that his wife was free to do as she pleased but mentioned experiencing “moments and episodes” where she claimed his actions, such as crossing his legs, constituted abuse. After approximately four and a half hours of deliberation, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all charges. Upon hearing the verdicts, Hanson smiled at his parents, who were present in the courtroom, and gave them a thumbs-up.
Judge Martin Hurst thanked the jurors for their careful consideration and informed Hanson that he was found not guilty, concluding the case and allowing him to leave. Following the verdict, Hanson’s parents embraced him, visibly emotional.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Hanson expressed his relief, stating, “I’m delighted that after a year and a half, the truth has finally come out. I can finally live my life again. I feel this burden has finally been lifted.” He described the experience as tormentuous.
