Bargain Hunt’s Charles Hanson is on trial, accused of locking his wife during a Wales trip and assaulting her at home.
The alleged assault also happened at their home in Quarndon, Derbyshire. Hanson denies all charges, including assault and coercive control. DerbyshireLive reported this information.
Jacqueline Ludlam, Rebecca Hanson’s mother, testified that the first two years of the marriage were fine, but around 2012, things changed. Mrs. Ludlam stated that work was his priority, and marriage did not change his habits; he often returned home briefly, then left again.
The prosecutor asked about the 2020 lockdown, and Mrs. Ludlam wondered what would happen, as Hanson would be home constantly due to restrictions. Mrs. Ludlam recalled a call from her daughter one night, and every phone ring made her anxious, suggesting something was likely wrong.
She knew about the Wales trip issue. Her daughter called around 8:45 p.m., saying Hanson was very angry. She said he locked her in the room and left, and she asked her mother for advice.
Sasha Wass questioned Mrs. Ludlam, mentioning the Wales incident testimony and asking if she stood by her claim. Mrs. Ludlam confirmed Hanson was angry and drove off. The barrister noted it wasn’t in her statement and asked why she didn’t mention him locking her in.
Mrs. Ludlam said she only included certain facts and could not confirm details about this specific event. Miss Wass asked if she knew Hanson for 15 years, to which Mrs. Ludlam said yes. The barrister then asked if she saw physical force; Mrs. Ludlam said she did not witness it, and Miss Wass asked if it all came from Rebecca, to which she replied yes.
The court learned about Hanson’s messages sent to his wife in June 2023, where he told her he loved her, apologized, blamed his temper, and suggested anger management. Mrs. Hanson testified last week that he grabbed her throat when she was pregnant, leaving her feeling paralyzed with fear.
Mrs. Hanson also said he threatened her, stating he would “burn her with embers.” She stated there were around 14 or 15 violent events. The trial is ongoing now.