Amanda Wixon Sentenced to 13 Years for 25-Year Captivity of Victim

Amanda Wixon Sentenced for Captivity

Amanda Wixon, a 56-year-old resident of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on March 12, 2026, for keeping a woman captive for over 25 years. The victim, who was just 16 years old when she was first held, endured horrific conditions and was forced to work without pay.

The victim was discovered by police in March 2021 after a tip-off, leading to her rescue from what has been described as ‘Dickensian conditions.’ Reports indicate that she was subjected to physical abuse, including beatings and having bleach poured on her face, while her basic needs were neglected. She lived off scraps and was forced to wash secretly at night, highlighting the extent of her mistreatment.

During the sentencing, the judge noted the ‘Dickensian quality’ of the victim’s situation, emphasizing the severity of her ordeal. Wixon’s actions not only stripped the victim of her freedom but also resulted in her benefit money, totaling £100,000, being paid into Wixon’s account over the years.

Since her rescue, the victim, now 40 years old, has been receiving support from a foster family. She has expressed the profound impact of her captivity, stating, “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.” Her statements reflect the deep psychological scars left by her long-term abuse.

There are ongoing calls for social services to explain why the victim was not rescued earlier, given the alarming circumstances surrounding her captivity. A carer who has been supporting the victim remarked, “I think social services should be more alert and then maybe no one else will go through what she has been through.” This sentiment echoes a growing concern regarding the effectiveness of social services in identifying and intervening in cases of modern slavery.

The victim has reportedly been on three holidays since her rescue, a significant milestone in her journey towards recovery. However, the shadow of her past remains, with the victim acknowledging that nothing can give her back the 25 years she lost. Her story is a stark reminder of the realities of modern slavery, which affected 6,600 individuals in the UK in 2025 alone.

As the case unfolds, the community and advocates for victims of modern slavery continue to seek answers and justice. Sam Jones, a representative for victim advocacy, stated, “The fact remains that nothing was done by social services.” This highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.