Shocking bodycam footage has brought to light the appalling conditions in which a vulnerable woman was allegedly kept as a “house slave” for more than 25 years.
The woman was 16 when she moved into the home of Amanda Wixon in 1995, and she remained there until 2021.
Wixon, 56, was said to have made the victim carry out hard manual work while repeatedly assaulting her, as well as restricting access to food and medical help. Gloucester Crown Court heard the woman was regularly beaten, including being struck with a broom handle that knocked out her teeth.
The court was told her head was shaved against her will, washing-up liquid was forced into her mouth, and bleach was thrown onto her face. Her meals were also limited.
She was reportedly prevented from leaving the property and had to wash in secret during the night.
“I don’t want to be here,” she told officers. “I don’t feel safe. Mandy hits me all the time. I don’t like it. I haven’t washed for years. She doesn’t let me.”
Now in her 40s, the woman was rescued in March 2021 when police attended Wixon’s address after receiving a report from one of Wixon’s sons.
The bodycam video from the arrest can be viewed here:
Wixon, a mother of 10, denied false imprisonment, two modern slavery offences related to forcing someone to perform labour, and four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. She has since been sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Jurors cleared her of one assault allegation but convicted her on the remaining charges.
Investigators said Wixon had not previously been known to police and had portrayed herself as a helpful member of the community, including volunteering and supporting others.
In a statement read to the court at sentencing, the victim, who has not been named, said she continues to live with lasting psychological effects.
“For 25 years, I lived in fear, control and abuse. I was treated as though my life, my freedom and my voice did not matter.
“Although my abuser has now been found guilty, the trauma and the nightmares are something I still carry with me every day.
“I am now living with a wonderful family who show me kindness, patience and support.
“Their love is helping me slowly rebuild the life that was taken from me and begin to feel safe again.
“Nothing can give me back the 25 years I lost. But I hope the court recognises the deep and lasting harm this abuse has caused and delivers a sentence that truly reflects the seriousness of these crimes.”