Woman imprisoned and forced to work for Tewkesbury mother for more than 25 years | UK news
A woman endured over 25 years of captivity and forced labor at the hands of Amanda Wixon, 56, in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, a case described by a judge as having a “Dickensian quality.” The victim, now in her 40s and possessing learning disabilities, was just 16 years old when she arrived at Wixon’s home in the mid-1990s for what was intended to be a weekend visit, but remained there until discovered by police in March 2021.
A Life of Isolation and Abuse
During her decades-long ordeal, the woman was subjected to severe physical and emotional abuse. She was routinely beaten, denied adequate food, and forced to live in squalid conditions. Wixon reportedly squirted washing-up liquid down her throat and splashed bleach on her face, and repeatedly shaved her head against her will.
The court heard that the woman was prevented from leaving the house and was forced to wash in secret at night. She was compelled to perform domestic chores, including cleaning, cooking, and caring for Wixon’s ten children. Neighbors described seeing her in the garden looking emaciated and reported instances of physical abuse, with one neighbor referring to Wixon as a “slavekeeper” on social media.
The Investigation and Verdict
Police discovered the extent of the abuse during a visit to the home in March 2021, finding the house overcrowded and in disrepair, with mold, peeling plaster, and rubbish accumulating in the garden. The woman’s bedroom was described as resembling a “prison cell.”
At Gloucester Crown Court, Wixon was found guilty of false imprisonment, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labor, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The prosecution argued that the victim had effectively disappeared from society, with no records of medical care or social service involvement for over 20 years.
The defense argued that Wixon’s actions stemmed from a desire to help the woman, and that the household’s squalid conditions were a result of broader neglect, not intentional abuse. However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict Wixon.
A Path to Recovery and What Lies Ahead
Since her rescue, the woman has been living with a foster family and has begun to rebuild her life. She is attending college, has traveled abroad, and is addressing the trauma of her ordeal. She has reported experiencing nightmares and a persistent urge to clean, but has also been able to grow her hair, something she always desired.
Wixon is scheduled to be sentenced in March. It is possible the judge will consider the length of the abuse and the severity of the victim’s suffering when determining the sentence. A possible next step could involve a thorough review of social service protocols to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future. Analysts expect increased scrutiny of cases involving vulnerable individuals living in isolated environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was the woman held captive?
The woman was held captive for more than a quarter of a century, from the mid-1990s until March 2021, when police discovered her at Amanda Wixon’s home.
What kind of abuse did the woman suffer?
The woman suffered physical and emotional abuse, including beatings, being denied food, having washing-up liquid squirted down her throat, bleach splashed on her face, and having her head repeatedly shaved against her will.
What happened after the woman was rescued?
Since being rescued, the woman has been living with a foster family, attending college, and has been on holidays abroad. She is receiving support to address the trauma she experienced.
Considering the systemic failures highlighted in this case, what further steps might be taken to protect vulnerable individuals from similar exploitation?