Neighbours were shocked to discover that a mother of 10 had been keeping a vulnerable person captive as a slave for 25 years without their knowledge. Amanda Wixon, also known as “The Witch,” was recently sentenced to 13 years in prison for subjecting her victim, who was only identified as K, to severe abuse in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. The victim endured regular beatings and was confined to a small, filthy bedroom for over two decades.

Wixon, 56, took in the victim in 1996 after her own parents faced challenges. She forced the victim to care for her children, pets, and maintain the household. Neighbors, unaware of the long-term abuse, reported witnessing other disturbing behavior and expressed relief upon learning of Wixon’s imprisonment.

One neighbor hoped that the lengthy jail term would bring some closure to the victim and serve as a form of justice. Victim K, now in her mid-40s, described years of living in fear, enduring physical violence, and being deprived of basic necessities by Wixon. The victim was finally able to seek help in March 2021 by making a secret phone call, leading to Wixon’s arrest.

Wixon was found guilty of false imprisonment, forced labor, and assault causing bodily harm. During sentencing, Judge Ian Lawrie KC emphasized the severity of Wixon’s actions, stating that she had cruelly held the victim captive for two decades, causing enduring trauma. The judge condemned Wixon’s persistent and abusive behavior over the years.