Netflix’s My Wife, My Abuser, gripped viewers in a story of a man, Richard Spencer, who suffered 20 years of abuse from his wife.

The documentary, which is currently ranked the number one show in the UK, takes a deeper look into families suffering with a dark secret which is nothing like the idyllic appearance they portray.

Behind closed doors, Richard had endured over 20 years of terror caused by his wife Sheree with his three daughters being privy to the harrowing abuse.

The series was first aired on Channel 5 and looks at secret footage recorded by Richard through audio and video recordings in their family home revealing his severe domestic abuse faced at the hands of his wife.

The terrifying clips of her attacks against Richard also included written testimonials and photograph evidence to showcase the abuse he suffered.

What happened to Richard?

In the documentary, Richard explained how he had to cover up his wounds using makeup with one scene explaining how Sheree had defecated on him and would use a wine bottle to inflict injury causing him to have permanent ear damage.

In another scene, Sheree is seen wielding a carving knife which she uses against his throat with more threats to his life.

A total of 43 images of Richard’s bruised and battered body was handed over as evidence.

Despite Richards’ abuse, Sheree claimed it was him who was in fact the abuser which compelled him to install cameras after the birth of their eldest daughter back in 2015.

The abuse endured by his wife finally came to an end after Sheree reached out to one of Richard’s friends claiming yet again she was being abused by him.

Richard had no choice but to show the friend his evidence of abuse, resulting in the friend taking the footage to the police.

Who is Sheree Spencer?

Sheree previously worked a senior job with HM Prison and Probation Service.

She is a mother of three daughters and was married to Richard for over 20 years with the family residing in York.

Sheree was finally caught and was sentenced in February 2023.

Where is Sheree Spencer now?

Even with all the evidence against her, Sheree still claimed to be the victim but eventually pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and three counts of assault causing bodily harm.

The case was tried in the crown court and Sheree was jailed for four years at Hull Crown Court in March 2023.

Judge Kate Rayfield said of the abuse: “This is the worst case of controlling and coercive behaviour I have seen.”

The court took into account the abuse endured by Richard during the period of 2016 to 2021 with Sheree currently residing in a prison near York.

Despite the documentary’s sinister undertone, it is also a story of triumph as Richard was able to survive Sheree’s physical and verbal abuse which saw the series ending with her being locked behind bars for four years due to her deplorable actions.

Richard knew the importance of sharing his story in helping others to be aware of male domestic abuse.

Roughly 751,000 men aged 16 and over have experienced domestic abuse in 2023, which equates to 3.2% of men.

Richard said: “Sheree’s abuse towards me evolved and escalated over time, she used repeated acts of physical assault, threats, verbal abuse, and humiliation to punish and exercise control over me. The abuse was hidden from the outside world, including friends and family.”

If suffering from any type of abuse it’s important to seek help which includes calling the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 which operates 24/7.