Amanda Wixon had 10 children and lived a very busy life in England. It takes a lot of work to keep a household of that size running smoothly, and Wixon was evidently quite desperate for help. More than 20 years ago, Wixon took in a vulnerable young woman and held her like a modern-day slave. She beat her, withheld food and hygiene products, and forced her to live in filthy conditions. During a nearly two-week trial at Gloucester Crown Court, the jury heard just how horrible life was in Wixon’s home. They ultimately convicted her on multiple charges in connection with the woman’s decades-long captivity.
The Gloucestershire Constabulary shared details of Wixon’s trial and conviction in a lengthy social media release. Wixon knew the victim’s family and built a relationship with them. In 1996, she assumed responsibility for the young woman, who had learning difficulties. But instead of caring for her, she collected financial benefits on her behalf and turned her into a slave. For years, she forced the young woman to perform manual labor and neglected her most basic needs.
“Wixon kept the victim in squalid conditions; locking her in the house and depriving her of food, health, and dental care,” the release noted. “Wixon also deprived her of money. Despite claiming benefits for the victim since 2000, which were paid into Wixon’s bank account, the victim was forced to live in poverty and wear hand-me-down clothes.”
During the 13-day trial, the victim, now in her 40s, recounted years of abuse and physical violence. She shared memories of Wixon beating her with a broom handle, knocking out her teeth, and pouring bleach on her face. She told the jury Wixon did not let her bathe or care for herself. Wixon beat her for the slightest offense and forcibly shaved her head on multiple occasions.
In March 2021, the victim used a secret cellphone to call for help. When police arrived at Wixon’s home, they found the victim malnourished, injured, and filthy.
“Wixon kept an extremely vulnerable victim captive in appalling conditions for over two decades. Instead of caring for her, as she was supposed to, she exploited her and forced her to work in domestic servitude whilst subjecting her to the most cruel and inhumane treatment,” said Detective Constable Emma Jackson from Gloucestershire Police.
“I commend the victim in this case 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,” Jackson added.
The court has now convicted Wixon on two counts of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labor, one count of false imprisonment, and three counts of assault causing bodily harm. She’ll return to court in March for sentencing.
Thankfully, the woman survived. She’ll never get those years back or forget the pain Wixon caused, but she’s reportedly working toward a better life. Perhaps Wixon could spend two decades living the way she forced her victim to live. Seems like a fair punishment.
