Vulnerable woman in Tewkesbury found to have been kept as slave for 20 years

A defendant has been convicted at Gloucester Crown Court of assault and compulsory labour after a woman with learning difficulties was held for more than 20 years in Tewkesbury; the victim was found by police in March 2021 following concerns raised by a family member.

A court has found that a woman with learning difficulties was kept in Tewkesbury and subjected to long-term abusive treatment and forced domestic labour. The case was heard at Gloucester Crown Court and reporting restrictions have only recently been lifted. Police located the woman in March 2021 after concerns were raised by a family member. The court reached verdicts on multiple offences earlier this week. Court findings: - The defendant was convicted at Gloucester Crown Court of multiple counts of assault and of compulsory labour. - The court heard that the victim, described as having learning difficulties, had been held and forced to perform domestic duties for more than 20 years and was located by police on 15 March 2021 after a relative raised concerns. - Reporting restrictions delayed publication of case details until now, and the judge noted the stark nature of the situation as the court considered the evidence. Summary: The conviction follows the police discovery of the woman in 2021 and a court process that has now concluded on most charges. Undetermined at this time.