A woman has been rescued from decades of abuse and captivity in a squalid home in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. For over **25 years**, she endured physical violence and was forced to live as a slave under the control of **Mandy Wixon**, a 56-year-old woman with ten children. The victim, now in her 40s, was discovered by police on **March 15, 2021**, after concerns were raised for her welfare by one of Wixon’s sons.
During the trial at **Gloucester Crown Court**, Wixon was found guilty of multiple charges, including false imprisonment, forced labor, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court heard harrowing details of the victim’s experiences, including being splashed with bleach, beaten with a broom handle, and subjected to other forms of extreme abuse. Judge Ian Lawrie described Wixon’s actions as having a “Dickensian quality,” highlighting the severity of the conditions in which the victim was forced to live.
Upon their arrival, officers noted the victim’s poor physical condition. She had visible scarring on her lips and face from bleach exposure, and large calluses on her feet from cleaning floors on her hands and knees. Describing her living conditions, police stated that her bedroom resembled a “prison cell.” When questioned, she expressed her desperation, stating, “I don’t want to be here. I don’t feel safe. Mandy hits me all the time. I haven’t washed for years. She doesn’t let me.”
The victim had been under Wixon’s care since she was about **16 years old**, after being born into a troubled family. Prosecutors revealed that Wixon had also accessed the victim’s benefits, amounting to a “considerable sum” over the years, while the victim effectively disappeared from public view. Prosecutor **Sam Jones** emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that there had been no recorded sightings of the victim outside the house since the late 1990s.
Following her rescue, the victim received medical attention for her malnourishment and dental issues, which had caused her significant pain for years. Since then, she has been placed with a foster family, where she is reportedly thriving. She has begun attending college and has even enjoyed holidays, marking a significant turnaround in her life.
Detective Sergeant **Alex Pockett** commented on the victim’s transformation, stating, “When the police arrived, the victim had her head held down, it was clear she was extremely scared.” In contrast to her previous life, she now has the opportunity to build a future free from abuse.
After the verdict, Wixon displayed no remorse when asked about her actions. She simply stated, “Not a lot,” when questioned if she had anything to say to her victim. When reporters inquired if she felt sorry, Wixon replied, “No. I never done it.” This lack of accountability has drawn criticism, with many expressing disbelief at her indifference.
**Laura Burgess**, a senior prosecutor with the **Crown Prosecution Service**, commended the victim’s resilience. She stated, “The progress she has made since being removed from this oppressive environment is a testament to her strength. Our thoughts remain with her as she continues to rebuild her life, and I hope she can find some comfort in seeing justice delivered today.”
Wixon has been released on conditional bail and awaits sentencing on **March 12, 2024**. As the case concludes, the focus now shifts to the victim’s ongoing recovery and the support she will receive in her new life.
