Amanda Wixon Sentenced for Captivity
Amanda Wixon, 56, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on March 12, 2026, for keeping a woman captive for over 25 years in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. The victim, who was just 16 years old when she was first held by Wixon, endured severe abuse and was forced to live in what has been described as ‘Dickensian conditions.’
The victim was discovered by police in March 2021 after a tip-off, leading to the revelation of her harrowing ordeal. She was held against her will, subjected to physical assaults, and deprived of basic human rights, including the freedom to leave the house. Reports indicate that she lived off scraps and was forced to wash secretly at night.
Wixon’s actions included beating the victim and pouring bleach on her face, further illustrating the extent of the abuse. Additionally, the victim’s benefit money, totaling £100,000, was paid into Wixon’s account, raising questions about financial exploitation during her captivity. The victim has since been receiving support from a foster family and has been on three holidays since her rescue.
The case has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, particularly regarding the role of social services. There are demands for explanations as to why the victim was not rescued earlier, especially given the alarming number of reported victims of modern slavery, which reached 6,600 in 2025. A carer involved in the victim’s recovery stated, “I think social services should be more alert and then maybe no one else will go through what she has been through.”
During the sentencing, the judge noted the ‘Dickensian quality’ of the victim’s situation, emphasizing the severity of her suffering. The victim herself expressed the profound impact of her ordeal, 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.” This statement underscores the long-lasting effects of such trauma.
As the community grapples with the implications of this case, Sam Jones, a local advocate, remarked, “The fact remains that nothing was done by social services.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the systemic failures that allowed such a situation to persist for so long.
While Wixon has been sentenced, the focus now shifts to the ongoing support for the victim and the necessary reforms to prevent similar cases in the future. The victim’s journey to recovery continues, but she has made it clear that nothing can give her back the 25 years she lost.
