Woman convicted after forcing teenager into years of abuse and servitude

A teenage girl was forced to live as a “house slave” for more than 25 years in conditions described as degrading and inhumane, a court has heard.

The victim, now in her mid-40s, was just 16 when she moved into the home of Amanda Wixon, 56, in Tewkesbury in 1995. She remained there until 2021, when she was finally freed after police attended the address following a report from one of Wixon’s sons.

Officers who entered the property described the woman’s bedroom as resembling a “prison cell”, with other rooms dirty and neglected. The victim told police she did not feel safe and said she had been repeatedly assaulted and denied basic hygiene.

A jury at Gloucester Crown Court found Wixon guilty of six offences, including compulsory labour, false imprisonment and assault.

The court heard that for more than two decades Wixon controlled the woman’s movements, locking doors and windows and preventing her from leaving the house. She was forced to carry out cleaning and childcare duties, often from early morning until late at night, and was subjected to regular physical abuse.

Evidence presented to the jury included voice notes the victim had secretly recorded about her treatment. Neighbours told the court they rarely, if ever, saw her, with one witness saying her appearance was shocking.

Detective Sergeant Alex Pockett of Gloucestershire Police said the woman was malnourished when she was rescued and showed signs of long-term neglect and abuse. He described how she spent much of her time cleaning on her hands and knees and was denied proper food and care.

Following her rescue in March 2021, the woman has begun rebuilding her life. She is now living with a foster family, attending college and has been on holidays abroad. However, the court was told she continues to suffer nightmares and long-lasting trauma from her ordeal.

Sentencing is due to take place at a later date.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk