Woman Imprisoned as House Slave for 25 Years by 'Witch' Scratch Card Addict
A woman dubbed 'The Witch' for her cruel treatment of a vulnerable victim has been jailed after keeping her imprisoned as a house slave for a quarter of a century. Amanda Wixon, 56, a former cleaner and volunteer at Tewkesbury Abbey, subjected the woman to horrific abuse, confining her to a filthy, mouldy room and restricting her food while forcing her to perform extensive household chores.
Decades of Abuse and Deprivation
The victim, who cannot be named due to legal protections, was denied washing facilities and medical care throughout her ordeal. She was forced to clean on her knees and suffered physical assaults when she failed to complete tasks to Wixon's satisfaction. The abuse included having washing-up liquid squirted down her throat, bleach splashed on her face, and her head repeatedly shaved against her will.
In a victim impact statement read to Gloucester Crown Court by prosecutor Sam Jones, the woman, who has learning difficulties, described how the 'trauma and the nightmares' were something she carried with her every day. 'I am now living with a wonderful family who show me kindness, patience and support,' she said. 'Their love is helping me slowly rebuild the life that was taken from me and begin to feel safe again.'
Systematic Exploitation and Financial Theft
The woman was just 16 years old when Wixon moved her into her home in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, in the mid-1990s under the guise of providing care. However, Wixon 'almost immediately' took her to the benefits office to ensure that her benefits were paid directly to her own account. Police estimate that Wixon stole nearly £100,000 from the victim over the years—approximately £400 per week—money that was intended for the victim's support but was never spent on her needs.
By the time police rescued the victim in 2021 following a tip-off, the woman, then in her early 40s, had lost all her teeth. They had either rotted due to neglect or been knocked out during an assault with a broom handle. The court heard how after moving into Wixon's home, the victim had effectively 'disappeared' from society, with no contact with the outside world.
Life in Captivity and Emotional Impact
Secret voice notes made by the victim revealed her longing to go outside and walk the family dog, Marley, but Wixon had placed bin liners against the windows to prevent her from even seeing outside. The room where she slept was described as resembling a prison cell, with mould and filth throughout.
During sentencing proceedings on Thursday, Wixon sat with her arms folded, wearing a denim jacket and scarf, showing no emotion as the details of her crimes were presented. The victim watched the proceedings via video link from an adjacent court room, having expressed hope that the court would recognise 'the deep and lasting harm this abuse has caused.'
Justice Served and Victim's Recovery
Wixon was found guilty in January of false imprisonment, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The mother of ten children showed no remorse and made no comment when asked if she would like to apologise to her victim.
Since her rescue, the victim has been living with a foster family, attending college, and has even been on holiday. Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher of Gloucestershire Police noted that she has been drawing, writing poetry, and taking walks in the sunshine. 'She is now living a better life,' he said, 'but she is still suffering quite badly, she has flashbacks. She has severe psychological trauma that will affect her for the rest of her life.'
Legal Proceedings and Mitigation Arguments
Laura Burgess, a senior prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, praised the victim's strength: 'The progress she has made since being removed from this oppressive environment is a testament to her resilience. Our thoughts remain with her as she continues to rebuild her life.'
In mitigation, Edward Hollingsworth acknowledged the harm caused but described Wixon as 'somewhat vulnerable in her own right,' citing her limited education and 'relatively low intellectuality.' He noted that her first husband was an alcoholic, her current husband has learning difficulties, and several of her children have vulnerabilities. Hollingsworth described the offences as 'heartless, but not sophisticated,' and pointed to Wixon's own 'messy neglected appearance' and lack of teeth as indicators of her challenging circumstances.
The case highlights the severe consequences of long-term exploitation and abuse, with the victim's statement poignantly noting: 'Nothing can give me back the 25 years I lost.'
