Mencap Responds to Mandy Wixon Sentencing
Jon Sparkes OBE, chief executive of learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. charity Mencap, said:
“The
abuse
Abuse is when someone bullies you and does or says something to you that makes you feel hurt, upset or scared.
and captivity K lived through was utterly appalling and deeply distressing. Our thoughts are with her as she continues to rebuild her life after this unimaginable ordeal. We welcome the strong sentence which goes some way to recognising the abhorrent
crime
A crime is when someone does something wrong and breaks the law.
.
“People with a learning disability are at far higher risk of abuse, exploitation and coercion, and this case shows the devastating consequences when that vulnerability is cruelly taken advantage of. It’s shameful that in 2026 people with a learning disability are still treated as less valued and less entitled to safety.
“These crimes also reinforce the belief that people with a learning disability are not in control of their own lives or able to live life to the full. With the right support, people with a learning disability can and do live full, independent and joyful lives, and deserve the same
dignity
Dignity means you treat yourself and others well and with respect.
,
respect
Respect means showing someone you think about someone's feelings, wishes or rights.
and freedom as anyone else.”
Note to editors
About Mencap
There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and they deserve to live their life to the full. So Mencap supports people with a learning disability to succeed in the things that matter to them. To ensure that people with a learning disability are not left behind at any stage of their life, we campaign A campaign is when people work together to try to change something. for a fairer society; work with families and partners to build inclusive communities; and we deliver person-centred services. We’ve spent 80 years changing lives. Now, with Mencap 2030, we’re changing the future.
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability which affects someone for their whole life. Typically, people with a learning disability need more time to learn and process information. They may need extra support to develop skills, complete tasks and interact with others, or they may have more complex needs requiring round-the clock care. The level of support needed is different for everyone and may change during a person’s lifetime.
Learning disability is NOT a mental illness or a learning difficulty. Often, the term ‘learning difficulty’ is wrongly used in place of ‘learning disability’. Having a learning difficulty (such as ADHD or
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
) may mean a person learns at a different pace or in a different way BUT – unlike a learning disability - it does not affect a person’s intellect.
With the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead happy, healthy, independent lives. At Mencap, it’s our mission to remove societal barriers and shatter misconceptions to make this more possible for more people.
Mencap’s guide to reporting on Learning Disability
When it comes to creating content with people with a learning disability, we know many people feel nervous about saying and doing the wrong thing. Our guide for journalists, covers everything from up-to-date facts and figures to the right language to use. It also includes tips on how to work with people with a learning disability to gather the best content.
For further information, please contact Mencap’s media team on: [email protected] or 02076 965414 (including out of hours).
