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Susanna Reid was left holding back tears and hiding her face on Good Morning Britain, listening to a harrowing account of a male domestic violence victim’s 20-year ordeal.
Richard Spencer, 46, bravely appeared on the programme to talk about the abuse he faced from his wife, to break the taboo surrounding domestic violence towards men.
Images of his injuries at the hands of his wife, who was sentenced to four years in prison last month, detailed some of the abuse he faced, including black eyes and bruises all over his body.
At one point, Richard recalled the moment where his wife ‘held a knife’ to his throat, which he recorded on video.
When played in court, Richard’s wife Sheree tried to explain it as her telling him to ‘kill her’ instead of not divorcing her.
When the real audio was played, she could be heard saying: ‘It’s a shame it takes this level of violence to make you see,’ and ‘holding the knife up as a threat’.
Susanna was shocked listening to the harrowing account (Picture: ITV)
Richard bravely opened up about his ordeal (Picture: ITV)
Spencer also permanently damaged Richard’s ear with a wine bottle, as he recalled wanting to ‘protect his face’ so the children wouldn’t notice when he took them to school.
Listening to the heart-breaking account, Susanna was seen shaking her head and looking down into her lap as she hid her face.
Spencer was sentenced to four years in prison in February, and given an indefinite restraining order against her victim.
Judge Kate Rayfield told her that the abuse of Richard was ‘the worst case of controlling and coercive behaviour I have seen’.
Susanna looked emotional as she shook her head and hid her face (Picture: ITV)
Spencer admitted coercive and controlling behaviour between January 2016 and June 2021 and three offences of assaulting her husband, causing actual bodily harm, between January and April 2020.
Videos shown to the court revealed ‘persistent, nasty physical and emotional abuse’ on a frequent basis, sometimes several times in a day.
The attacks that left him in fear and feeling trapped included her calling him a ‘p****’ every day while beating him and forced him to clean up her own faeces.
After recounting his experience, Richard was showered in praise from viewers over his bravery.
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One wrote: ‘Huge, courageous, testimony from Richard about his domestic abuse hell…’
‘Wishing Richard nothing but love and I hope he gets support and is kept safe,’ another added.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1.
Domestic abuse helpline
If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you cannot talk, dial 55 and the operator will respond.
For emotional support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Alternatively, for practical and emotional support, please contact Women’s Aid Live Chat 10am – 6pm seven days a week.
You can also reach the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0800 270 9070 or text NCDV to 60777.
For free and confidential advice and support for women in London affected by abuse, you can call Solace on 0808 802 5565 or email [email protected].
Male victims of domestic abuse can call 01823 334244 to speak to ManKind, an initiative available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
Alternatively, the Men’s Advice Line can be reached at 0808 8010327, or emailed at [email protected].
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Susanna looked visibly upset at the harrowing account.
