TV auctioneer cleared of assaulting wife

TV auctioneer Charles Hanson has been cleared of assaulting his wife and using controlling or coercive behaviour against her.

The 46-year-old presenter, of Ashbourne Road in Mackworth, was found not guilty of coercive control and assault allegations relating to his wife Rebecca Hanson.

On Friday, a jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict on all counts following a trial at Derby Crown Court.

Mr Hanson had been accused of using violence towards his wife over a 10-year period, including pushing, scratching and grabbing her.

He smiled at his parents and gave a thumbs-up gesture from the dock after the jury foreman returned the not guilty verdicts.

The celebrity auctioneer's parents, who were sitting in the front row of the public gallery, wept and hugged their son after he was discharged from the dock.

Judge Martin Hurst thanked the jurors for their care in considering the case.

He then told Mr Hanson: "You have been found not guilty. That is the end of the case. You will hear no more about it and you are free to go."