Charles Hanson Trial: Domestic Abuse Allegations Explained

In February 2025, a trial against TV personality, Charles Hanson, for charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating and coercive controlling behaviour began. In this article, we will detail the accusations against him, legal proceedings that lead to the auctioneer cleared of all charges, and the societal implications of the case.

Background on Charles Hanson

Charles Hanson started his career in the antiques industry at one of the worlds leading auction houses, Christie’s, in 1999. Since then, he has gone on to appear on a number of BBC programmes such as Bargain Hunt, Flog It! And Antiques Road Trip. In 2010, he married Rebecca Ludlam, a trained radiographer and active member of a Derby-based acting society. The couple has two children. Their personal life has recently come under intense scrutiny following allegations of prolonged domestic abuse.

Allegations of Domestic Abuse Against Charles Hanson

Hanson stands accused of a decade-long pattern of abusive behaviour. The abuse is alleged to have began two years into their marriage in 2012. The accusations against Hanson include:

2012 Headlock Allegation: Rebecca Hanson alleged that Charles Hanson placed her in a headlock whilst five to six months pregnant during an argument, leaving her “paralysed with fear.” She said:

“He just ran towards where I was stood in the door frame. I turned around to protect my stomach and my baby. He got me round the throat. He’s behind me with his arm around my throat, tight, with my head back.“

Hanson faced no charge for this alleged incident and strongly denies it.

2015 Gripping Incident: Hanson allegedly gripped Rebecca’s arm with such force that it left three fingertip bruises. Causing her significant pain and emotional distress. Rebecca testified that she was too scared to call the police but documented the injury by photographing the bruises.

2020 Phone Throwing Incident: In March 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Rebecca alleges a landline telephone was thrown at her, hitting her leg, when Hanson was said to be in a “bad mood”. She confided in her mother at the time, telling her Hanson had thrown the telephone at her.

2021 Ember Threat: In an incident back in May 2021, Rebecca alleges Charles Hanson threatened to burn her with the embers of a fire.

Legal Proceedings and Courtroom Revelations

In February 2025, the trial began at Derby Crown Court. Charles Hanson faced charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating and coercive and controlling behaviour.

Key legal developments included:

Arrest and Initial Reactions: Hanson was arrested in June 2023 after Rebecca reported the alleged abuse. Police bodycam footage captures Hanson appearing disoriented, repeatedly asking officers, “Am I dreaming?” and asserting he was a “good guy.”

Testimonies from Family Members: Rebecca’s mother, Jacqueline Ludlam, testified that the couple’s relationship had deteriorated over time. Upon cross examination, Jacqueline Ludlam said she was not witness to the alleged outbursts and incidents.

Stillbirth of Their Son: The court heard emotional testimony regarding the stillbirth of their son, Tommy, in 2012. Rebecca allegedly blamed Hanson for the tragedy, citing the “hug” incident during her pregnancy as the cause. Hanson tearfully denied this, expressing deep hurt over the accusation.

Charles Hanson’s Defence

Charles Hanson strongly denies all allegations brought against him. He argues he was the one being mistreated and felt powerless, controlled and emotionally broken.

• Claims of Emotional Abuse: Hanson alleges he was made to feel inadequate as a husband and father by Rebecca due to frequent belittlement. He reports feeling “trapped” in the relationship and further stated, “I was a beaten and broken man.”
• Denial of Physical Violence: Hanson disputes Rebecca’s claims of physical abuse. He protests that any physical interactions were either affectionate gestures or misinterpreted. He insists the 2012 headlock was a moment of comfort, and the 2020 landline incident was a light toss and not a violent throw.

• Stillbirth Accusation: Hanson became emotional in court when addressing Rebecca’s claim that he contributed to their child’s stillbirth. Hanson recalls telling his mother “I can’t believe she would say that hug killed Tommy.” He insisted that he mourned the loss alongside Rebecca and that it was cruel to blame him for such a tragedy.

His legal team contends that this is not a case of domestic abuse but rather a high-conflict divorce where emotions have led to exaggerated claims. They argue that while the marriage was strained, Hanson was not an abuser but rather a husband struggling in a toxic relationship.

What Was The Outcome of Charles Hanson’s Trial?

On 28th February 2025, Charles Hanson received a unanimous not guilty verdict on all counts including the assault and use of controlling or coercive behaviour at Derby Crown Court.

Hanson was said to have given his parents a thumbs-up gesture as the verdict was returned. His parents wept and hugged Hanson as he was discharged from the dock.

Hanson addressed media outside the court stating: “The last 18 months have been extremely upsetting. I’ve missed my children and quite simply I can now go back to my life, and I relish that.”

A Perspective from the Criminal Injuries Helpline

At Criminal Injuries Helpline, we recognise that cases like Charles Hanson’s highlight the complex and deeply emotional nature of domestic abuse allegations. The case has highlighted how the law must remain impartial and evidence-based. Ensuring that all accusations are thoroughly investigated while also protecting individuals from false or exaggerated claims. The principle of innocent until proven guilty remains a cornerstone of the justice system. It is essential that verdicts are based on concrete evidence rather than public opinion or media narratives.