Lucy Godley’s former partner, Ben Siddle, received a 23-year prison sentence following his conviction for serious domestic abuse offences. The case attracted widespread attention after Godley, a woman from Portsmouth, England, revealed how she secretly collected evidence of the violence she experienced during their relationship. In September 2026, she appeared alongside her mother, Sharon, on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour to discuss their experiences.
Godley’s story has drawn attention to the difficulties survivors face when leaving abusive relationships. Her decision to document injuries and share evidence with her mother became an important part of the criminal investigation that eventually led to Siddle’s conviction.
Who Is Lucy Godley’s Ex-Partner Ben Siddle?
Ben Siddle is the former partner of Lucy Godley, a domestic abuse survivor from Portsmouth.
He became publicly known following criminal proceedings concerning his treatment of Godley during their relationship.
The court case involved allegations of physical violence, sexual abuse, psychological mistreatment and controlling behaviour.
Following a two-week trial, Siddle was convicted of ten offences connected to the abuse and received a 23-year prison sentence in 2026.
Details about his childhood, education, occupation and wider family background have not been reliably established in the available reporting.
His public profile is primarily associated with the criminal case and Godley’s subsequent decision to share her experiences.
What Happened Between Lucy Godley and Ben Siddle?
Godley was in a relationship with Siddle for approximately two and a half years.
According to her account, the relationship became increasingly abusive after she became pregnant in 2021.
She described experiencing physical, sexual and psychological abuse, alongside behaviour intended to control her everyday activities.
Godley also reported that Siddle monitored her telephone, making it difficult for her to communicate freely or seek assistance.
The controlling behaviour left her increasingly isolated and concerned about her safety.
Over time, she began documenting what was happening without her former partner’s knowledge.
Her decision to preserve evidence became a crucial development in the case.
How Did Lucy Godley Collect Evidence Against Her Ex-Partner?
Godley secretly photographed injuries and preserved information documenting the abuse she experienced.
Because she believed her phone was being monitored, she needed a way to keep the material somewhere Siddle could not easily access.
She turned to her mother, Sharon, whom she trusted to protect the evidence.
Godley sent photographs and other records to her mother, creating a collection of information that could later be provided to investigators.
The evidence helped establish the pattern of abuse described during the criminal proceedings.
Her actions also illustrated the practical difficulties faced by people experiencing coercive control, particularly when their communications and movements are monitored.
The information she collected eventually contributed to the prosecution and Siddle’s conviction.
What Was Ben Siddle’s Prison Sentence?
Ben Siddle received a 23-year prison sentence after being convicted of ten offences following a two-week trial.
The conviction came after an investigation into the abuse Godley experienced during their relationship.
The proceedings examined evidence concerning violence and controlling behaviour, including material Godley had secretly preserved.
Godley was not present in court when she learned the outcome.
Instead, friends visited her home to deliver the news that Siddle had been found guilty.
A camera inside her home captured the emotional moment as she embraced her friends and began crying.
The footage subsequently attracted public attention as her experience became more widely reported.
For Godley, the verdict marked an important stage in a lengthy process involving the criminal justice system.
What Role Did Lucy Godley’s Mother Sharon Play?
Sharon played a significant role in helping her daughter preserve evidence and navigate the situation.
When Lucy began documenting the abuse, she sent photographs and other information to her mother for safekeeping.
This arrangement allowed Lucy to retain records without keeping all the material on a device she feared was being monitored.
Sharon’s involvement also provided an important source of emotional support during an extremely difficult period.
On September 21, 2026, Lucy and Sharon appeared together on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.
During the programme, they discussed the abuse, the collection of evidence and the impact the experience had on their family.
Their interview brought wider attention to the role trusted relatives can play in helping someone experiencing domestic abuse.
Does Lucy Godley Have Children?
Lucy Godley is a mother of two children, including a daughter she shares with Ben Siddle.
She has explained that the abuse escalated during her pregnancy and continued after her daughter was born.
Her concerns about her children’s safety were an important part of her efforts to leave the relationship.
Godley has generally protected her children’s identities while speaking publicly about her experiences.
Her accounts have also highlighted how threats involving children can make it particularly difficult for survivors to escape abusive partners.
What Is Lucy Godley Doing Now?
Following Siddle’s conviction, Godley began speaking more openly about domestic abuse and the challenges of seeking justice.
Her September appearance on Woman’s Hour helped bring her story to a wider audience.
She has used her experience to raise awareness of coercive control, evidence gathering and the importance of supporting survivors.
The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order against Siddle, providing additional legal protection.
As of November 2026, Ben Siddle remains the former partner identified in Lucy Godley’s widely reported domestic abuse case. His conviction and sentence remain central to her story, while Godley continues speaking publicly about the experience and the importance of protecting survivors.
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