Bargain Hunt star breaks silence after he's charged over 'domestic incident'

21 December 2023 , 14:12

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The Bargain Hunt star is due to appear in court next month after being charged (Image: PA)

Charles Hanson has broken his silence after being charged following a police investigation into an alleged domestic row and abuse allegations.

The antiques expert, best known for his appearances on shows like Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip, denies the seven police charges and says he "never behaved aggressively or unlawfully towards my family" ahead of appearing in court next month.

Hanson, who moved out of his £1.5million family home in Derbyshire earlier this year, admits to some "difficult times" in his marriage to wife Rebecca Ludlam and expresses his sadness that their troubles have become a criminal matter - adding that he will "be cooperating fully with the investigation and legal process".

Prior to Hanson releasing a statement, spokesperson for Derbyshire Police told the Mirror on Thursday morning: "The force was called to reports of a domestic incident at an address in Church Road, Quarndon in June (2023). A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of assault and was released on police bail while enquiries continued.

Charles Hanson has admitted to 'difficult times' in his marriage to Rebecca Ludlam (Derbyshire Telegraph/BPM)

"On 14 December, Charles Hanson was charged with seven alleged offences: Assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm x 2, Assault by beating x 2, Engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, Cause assault/ill treatment/neglect or abandonment of a child/young person to cause unnecessary suffering or injury, Assault/ill-treat/neglect/abandon a child/young person to cause unnecessary suffering or injury."

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The statement added Hanson was released on police bail to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on 10 January. The Mirror understands Hanson is not scheduled to appear on any BBC show in the imminent future and is not considered a BBC employee.

In a statement shared with the MailOnline on Thursday afternoon, Hanson 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 co-operating fully with the investigation and legal process."

It's reported Hanson moved out of his family home after local police were called to a "domestic incident" earlier this year, with a source telling The Sun: "It is not the sort of place you expect police to turn up... It is a tiny village so a few people have been talking. It is all very shocking."

Zoe Delaney