A woman who imprisoned a teenage girl for 25 years in appalling conditions refused to offer an apology to her victim outside the court. Amanda Wixon, aged 56, brought the young woman, who was the daughter of her friend, into her care in 1995 and subjected her to a prolonged period of abuse. The victim, now in her mid-40s, endured physical violence, including beatings with a broom handle, forced ingestion of washing-up liquid, and bleach being thrown on her face.
The victim, who was 16 when she entered Wixon’s household, was confined to squalid living conditions and restricted from leaving or receiving adequate food. She was compelled to wash secretly at night. Wixon was convicted of several charges, such as compulsory labor, false imprisonment, and assault, by a jury. Despite the verdict, Wixon showed no remorse when faced with the prospect of release on bail until sentencing in March.
When asked about her feelings towards the victim, Wixon callously replied with minimal words and expressed no remorse for her actions. The court described the family’s residence in Gloucestershire as overcrowded, filthy, and dilapidated. Wixon faced charges related to false imprisonment, forced labor, and physical assault, with the jury finding her guilty on most counts.
The prosecution highlighted the victim’s long history of abuse and maltreatment, emphasizing the severe conditions she endured. The judge remarked on the Dickensian nature of the case, underscoring the victim’s challenging circumstances. The police intervention in 2021 was triggered by a report from one of Wixon’s sons, detailing the victim’s mistreatment.
The victim’s living conditions were likened to a prison cell, with her room being described as oppressive and unsanitary. Social services had minimal involvement with the family since the late 1990s, raising concerns about the lack of oversight. The defense attempted to discredit the victim’s claims, portraying Wixon’s life as complex and challenging. The defense argued that neglect, rather than systematic abuse, characterized the family’s living conditions and dental health.