Mother of Ten Convicted for Enslaving Woman for Quarter Century in Tewkesbury Home
A mother of ten children faces a substantial prison sentence after being found guilty of keeping a woman as a domestic slave for twenty-five years within her suburban Tewkesbury residence. The shocking case, which concluded at Gloucester Crown Court, has revealed harrowing details of prolonged captivity and forced labour.
Decades of Captivity and Forced Servitude
Amanda Wixon, aged 56 and residing in Tewkesbury, initially took in the victim, who was the daughter of a friend, back in 1997. What began as an apparent act of kindness swiftly descended into a nightmare of imprisonment. The court heard how Wixon systematically locked doors and windows, preventing the woman from leaving the property for more than two decades.
The victim's ordeal only ended in March 2021 when Wixon's own son contacted the police, leading to her eventual release from the confines of the home. During her captivity, the woman was compelled to perform extensive domestic duties under duress.
Court Findings and Multiple Charges
A jury at Gloucester Crown Court delivered a guilty verdict on six serious charges against Wixon. These charges encompass:
- Compulsory labour
- False imprisonment
- Assault
The prosecution detailed how the victim was forced to care for Wixon's numerous children and maintain the household through cleaning and other chores, effectively living as an unpaid, imprisoned servant.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This case highlights severe issues of modern slavery and domestic servitude occurring within ordinary residential settings. The prolonged nature of the abuse, spanning a quarter of a century, underscores potential gaps in community awareness and safeguarding mechanisms.
Authorities have emphasised the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicions of such exploitation. The conviction serves as a stark reminder that such crimes can persist hidden in plain sight, even in suburban areas like Tewkesbury.
Sentencing for Amanda Wixon is pending, with legal experts anticipating a significant custodial term given the gravity and duration of the offences. The victim is now receiving ongoing support from specialist services following her traumatic experience.
