[Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of domestic abuse and violence. Reader’s discretion is advised.]
The recent Channel 5 documentary titled My Wife, My Abuser: The Secret Footage features a horrific domestic abuse case. The victim was the 47-year-old Richard Spencer.
Richard Spencer resided in a pleasant neighborhood in Bubwith, East Yorkshire, with his family, which consisted of his wife and three daughters. He had a successful career, received a decent monthly paycheck, and a massive seven-bedroom home. At first glance, he had his life in order. However, little did his friends and neighbors know that his wife, Sheree, abused him physically and mentally. The worst part was that it went on for two decades.
46-year-old Sheree worked as a prison reform boss. According to The Daily Mail, the couple met in a nightclub in 2000. Eventually, they fell in love and tied the knot in 2009 in Thailand. However, things took a drastic turn later on.
Reports suggest that under the influence of wine, Sheree would often violently grab her husband’s hair and punch him. The video footage in the documentary revealed that she would threaten him with a knife. Also, she verbally abused him by commenting on his deceased mother and wishing death upon his sister.
The synopsis of the documentary’s trailer on YouTube reads, “This shocking documentary reveals the true story of how Richard Spencer was subjected to 20 years of abuse, from his wife. Richard tells his story in his own words, alongside a series of compelling videos, audio clips and first-hand testimonials that give an intimate look at his harrowing ordeal.”
According to Hull Live, the Hull Crown Court sentenced Sheree Spencer to four years in jail.
The Sun reported that authorities initially kept her at the high-security HMP New Hall, West Yorks. However, they later transferred her to Askham Grange, a women’s open prison in North Yorkshire.
After Sheree was taken to police custody, Sheree casually stated that Richard was the antagonist in their marriage. However, it didn’t take long for the cops to learn the truth. A judge who presided over this case described Richard and his wife’s relationship as “the worst case of coercive and controlling behaviour I have seen.”
Moreover, PC Adele Jenkinson of Humberside Police released a statement hailing Richard for his courage. He said, “I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Mr Spencer’s strength, courage and patience throughout the criminal investigation…Sheree Spencer is an abusive and violent woman who subjected her husband to years of abuse. The offences were committed over a prolonged period of time and were regular. With several being carried out in a single day.”
He ended his statement by saying, “I hope this outcome demonstrates to anyone affected by domestic abuse and violence that, no matter who you are, we will listen, support and take positive action to deliver justice.”
Richard Spencer reported that his wife’s verbal abuse affected him a lot. The video footage in the documentary further includes the sound of their children crying in the background while Sheree assaulted her husband.
