On Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid was left fighting back tears and covering her face after hearing a terrible description of a male domestic abuse victim’s 20-year struggle.
Richard Spencer, 46, boldly went on the show to discuss the assault he received from his wife, breaking the taboo around domestic violence against males.
Images of his injuries from his wife, who was sentenced to four years in jail last month, described some of the violence he endured, including black eyes and bruises all over his body.
Richard described a time when his wife ‘raised a knife’ to his throat, which he documented on film.
When the video was presented in court, Richard’s wife Sheree tried to interpret it as her urging him to “kill her” rather than divorce her.
When the original recording was played, she could be heard stating, “It’s a shame it takes this level of violence to make you see,” and “holding the knife up as a threat.”
Spencer also irreparably injured Richard’s ear with a wine bottle, claiming he did it to ‘guard his face’ so the kids wouldn’t notice when he took them to school.
Susanna was spotted shaking her head and staring down into her lap as she concealed her face while listening to the heartbreaking narrative.
Spencer was sentenced to four years in jail and granted an indefinite restraining order against her victim in February.
Judge Kate Rayfield described Richard’s conduct as “the worst case of controlling and coercive behaviour I have seen.”
Spencer confessed coercive and controlling behaviour from January 2016 to June 2021, as well as three assaults on her spouse resulting in real bodily injury between January and April 2020.
The court was shown videos that showed ‘consistent, severe physical and emotional abuse’ on a regular basis, often many times each day.
She called him a ‘p****’ every day while abusing him and forcing him to clean up her own feaces, which left him terrified and imprisoned.
Richard was greeted with applause from spectators after telling his ordeal.
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 advice@solacewomensaid.org.
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 info@mensadviceline.org.uk.