Charles Hanson cleared of domestic assault allegations after four-hour jury wait

By Matthew Cooper, PA

Celebrity auctioneer Charles Hanson has been unanimously cleared of coercive behaviour allegations made against him by his wife.

Jurors deliberated for around four-and-a-half hours before acquitting the Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip expert of two assault charges relating to incidents in 2015 and 2023, and a separate charge of controlling and coercive behaviour spanning from 2015 to 2023.

Mr Hanson, aged 46, told his three-week trial at Derby Crown Court that he was “almost a slave” to his wife, who left him “a beaten and broken man” by controlling him and making him subservient to her.

She claimed he was violent towards her, putting her in a headlock in 2012 while she was pregnant with a baby she later lost, repeatedly “grabbed” her, pushed her twice during a bedroom row, and scratched her as she tried to snatch a mobile phone.

But the jury of seven women and five men cleared Mr Hanson after being invited to consider whether he was “lying to get out of trouble” or if his wife had given an exaggerated account to the court.

Mr Hanson, of Ashbourne Road, Mackworth, Derby, told jurors his wife was allowed “to do what she wanted” but had experienced “moments and episodes” including an incident in which she claimed his legs being crossed amounted to abuse.

 

Speaking to reporters immediately outside the courtroom, Mr Hanson said: “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.

“It has been a tormentuous time and all I want now is to readjust to what has been such an ordeal. I am so relieved that this is all over.”