At a Glance
- Amanda Wixon was found guilty of modern-day slavery after keeping a victim captive for 20 years.
- The victim, now in her 40s, endured forced labor, abuse, and deprivation of basic needs.
- Wixon faces sentencing on March 12 and has been released on bail.
- Why it matters: The case exposes a hidden form of domestic abuse that can persist for decades.
A shocking conviction in Gloucestershire Crown Court has revealed a long-hidden story of modern-day slavery. On January 21, a jury found Amanda Wixon, 56, guilty of two counts of forced or compulsory labour, one count of false imprisonment and three counts of assault after keeping an unnamed victim captive in her home for more than two decades.
Conviction Details
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the verdict, citing a 20-year period in which the victim was repeatedly beaten while forced to clean, sweep floors, and prepare Wixon’s children for school. The victim worked as a “house slave” for Wixon and her 10 children.
Victim’s Plight
- The victim, who has learning difficulties, moved into the family home in 1996 at age 16.
- She was locked inside, deprived of food, health care, and money, even though Wixon claimed benefits for her since 2000 and deposited them into Wixon’s bank account.
- The victim was forced to wear hand-me-down clothes, receive only one meal a day (usually leftovers or scraps), and hide sweet foods when hungry.
- Wixon forbade the victim from washing herself, but she had to bathe children and run baths for Wixon.
- The victim was made to spend hours on her knees sweeping the floor, leading to calluses on her ankles.
Police Investigation and Evidence
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) released chilling images of the squalid conditions. Between January 1997 and March 2021, the victim reported that Wixon strangled her, forced her head into a toilet, poured cleaning fluids on her face and throat, stamped on her, struck her with a broom handle, shaved her hair against her wishes, and smashed a cell phone she had been given.
The investigation revealed that the victim was malnourished, her hair forcibly cut, and all of her teeth removed. A dentist’s examination noted scarring around the mouth, untreated infections and abscesses, and severe pain from untreated dental issues.
The Victim’s Rescue
On March 15, 2021, the victim finally called someone she knew for help after using a secret cell phone. One of Wixon’s sons, concerned about the victim’s welfare, called the police. Officers arrived at the address at about 10:40 p.m. local time, finding the victim described as “frightened” and “gaunt,” smelling strongly of body odor.
Detective Constable Emma Jackson of Gloucestershire Police described the case: “Wixon kept an extremely vulnerable victim captive in appalling conditions for over two decades. Instead of caring for her, she exploited her and forced her to work in domestic servitude while subjecting her to cruel and inhumane treatment.” She added, “I commend the victim for reaching out for help. Knowing all too well what the violent consequences would have been if she’d been caught, it was incredibly courageous of her.”
Court Response and Future Proceedings
Wixon has been released on bail and is scheduled for sentencing on March 12. She denies the charges, according to The Times. Senior Crown Prosecutor Laura Burgess stated, “Amanda Wixon subjected the victim to decades of unimaginable cruelty, exploitation and control. She was denied her freedom, dignity, and basic autonomy. The progress she has made since being removed from this oppressive environment is a testament to her strength.”
Gloucestershire Constabulary did not immediately respond to additional inquiries.
Key Takeaways
- A 56-year-old woman was convicted of modern-day slavery after keeping a victim captive for 20 years.
- The victim endured forced labor, severe abuse, and deprivation of basic needs.
- The case highlights how domestic abuse can go unnoticed for decades.
- The victim is now flourishing after her rescue.
- Sentencing is set for March 12.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
