Charles Hanson's trial date set after assault and coercive behaviour charges

07 February 2024 , 18:17

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Bargain Hunt's Charles Hanson to stand trial next year with assault and coercive behaviour charges (Image: PA)

Bargain Hunt's Charles Hanson will be standing trial charged with assault and coercive behaviour against his wife Rebecca Ludlam.

The 45-year-old TV star, best known for his appearances on shows such as Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip, is accused of seven offences. Mr Hanson denies the seven police charges and says he "never behaved aggressively or unlawfully towards my family".

Mr Hanson appeared at Derby Crown Court this week in front of Judge Shaun Smith KC and denied the allegations against him. He entered not-guilty pleas to controlling and coercive behaviour between 2015 and 2023, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in May 2020 and two counts of assault by beating in 2022 and 2023.

A provisional trial that is set to last seven to 10 days was set for February 10, 2025.

He will be standing trial charged with assault and coercive behaviour against his wife (Derbyshire Telegraph/BPM)

Judge Smith told the Bargain Hunt star: "Mr Hanson, I am adjourning your case for trial next year. I have to tell you these things I am about to say. You must turn up for the trial, if you do not, you could be sent to prison and the trial could carry on without you."

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Mr Hanson previously appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court in January. He was granted conditional bail on the condition that he did not contact his wife Rebecca Hanson or attend the family address, apart from on one occasion to collect personal belongings.

While in court, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and his plea. Charles denied the allegations against him. Hanson has only issued one statement on the allegations – only to deny the claims made against him.

In a statement previously given to the Mirror, Derbyshire Police said: "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.

"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."

In a statement shared with MailOnline, Hanson denied any wrongdoing. He 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 cooperating fully with the investigation and legal process."

Zara Woodcock