GLOUCESTER – The prosecution told Gloucester Crown Court that a victim known as K continues to suffer nightmares years after she was removed from Wixon’s home in Tewkesbury, as a statement from her foster mother was read aloud in court. K became tearful during the hearing and was comforted by one of the appropriate adults with her, according to the proceedings.
Prosecutor Jones said the psychological effect of Wixon’s actions has had the worst impact on K, describing continuing trauma alongside earlier physical injuries.
Statement read to court describes daily challenges
The foster mother’s statement, presented by Jones, outlined K’s difficulties when she was first rescued and placed in care. According to the account, K initially struggled with basic day‑to‑day living and had to learn how to go outside, cross a road, and dress appropriately for bad weather.
The statement also said K had been deprived of food and drink for so long that she did not initially understand she no longer needed to ask permission to eat or drink.
“She felt the need to clean all the time, she found it impossible to relax – this appeared to be engraved in her,” Jones said, reading from K’s foster mother’s statement.
Key points presented to the court:
– Nightmares have persisted for K years after her removal from Wixon’s home in Tewkesbury.
– Early in rehabilitation, K lacked familiarity with going outside, crossing roads, and dressing for poor weather.
– K initially sought permission to eat or drink despite being in foster care.
– A compulsion to clean and difficulty relaxing were described as entrenched behaviours.
– K was visibly emotional in court and was supported by an appropriate adult throughout the hearing.
– The foster mother expressed hope that K will thrive once the case concludes and she is no longer required to revisit the abuse in legal proceedings.
Phil Mackie
At Gloucester Crown Court
Court setting and process
Gloucester Crown Court is part of the Crown Court system of England and Wales, which hears serious criminal cases including child cruelty and neglect. Under the Criminal Justice Act 2003, victim personal statements such as the one from K’s foster mother can be presented to help the court understand the impact of the offending behaviour on those affected and may be taken into account when sentence is passed.
In cases involving children and vulnerable witnesses, the court sits under strict reporting restrictions and safeguarding arrangements, including the use of “appropriate adults” to support them through the process and measures to limit the risk of re‑traumatisation.
Proceedings at Gloucester Crown Court were continuing.
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