Lucy Godley’s former partner, Ben Siddle, has attracted widespread attention after the British mother of two publicly described the years of violence she endured before helping secure his conviction. Siddle, a 27-year-old man from Havant, Hampshire, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court in April 2026 after being found guilty of 10 offences, including sexual assault, physical violence and witness intimidation.
Godley’s account has since gained attention through emotional interviews and social media footage showing her reaction to the guilty verdict. Her decision to secretly document injuries and share evidence with her mother became a central part of her fight for justice, highlighting the dangers many domestic abuse survivors face when trying to escape controlling relationships.
Who Is Lucy Godley’s Ex-Partner Ben Siddle?
Ben Siddle is a British man from Havant, Hampshire, who became publicly known following his conviction for multiple offences committed against his former partner, Lucy Godley.
Siddle was 27 when he was sentenced in April 2026. He had worked as a plumber, and his relationship with Godley began after they met through mutual friends in 2020.
According to Godley, Siddle initially appeared affectionate and supportive. He treated her young son kindly, and their relationship seemed promising. However, she said his behaviour changed dramatically after she became pregnant with their daughter in 2021.
What began with accusations of infidelity and controlling behaviour eventually escalated into repeated physical and sexual violence. Godley later described how Siddle monitored her phone, questioned her movements and made her increasingly fearful of leaving.
What Happened Between Lucy Godley and Ben Siddle?
Lucy Godley has described experiencing approximately two and a half years of abuse during her relationship with Ben Siddle. The offences examined during his criminal trial occurred between August 2021 and October 2023.
Godley said the violence began while she was pregnant. During one incident, Siddle accused her of being unfaithful and attacked her while wearing work boots.
The abuse continued after their daughter was born. Godley recalled being punched, bitten and strangled, including during a period when she was recovering from childbirth.
In another attack, Siddle threw a diffuser at her and poured its contents onto her face, causing burns. He also damaged her property and subjected her to sexual violence.
Godley explained that she struggled to leave because she feared retaliation and believed threats that she could lose custody of her children. Her experience illustrates how coercive control can prevent survivors from escaping even when the danger is severe.
How Lucy Godley Collected Evidence Against Ben Siddle
One of the most important developments in the case was Godley’s decision to secretly preserve evidence of the abuse.
Because Siddle regularly checked her phone, she began photographing her injuries and sending the images to her mother, Sharon. She then deleted the photographs from her device to reduce the risk of discovery.
The mother and daughter continued collecting evidence for approximately a year. Godley later explained that she feared Siddle would escape prosecution without sufficient proof of what had happened.
The process placed considerable emotional pressure on both women. Sharon had to watch her daughter suffer while preserving evidence that could eventually help investigators establish the extent of the violence.
Their efforts became especially important when the case reached court, where photographs, messages and testimony helped establish the pattern of abuse.
Ben Siddle’s Conviction and 23-Year Sentence
Ben Siddle was convicted following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court. The jury found him guilty of 10 offences involving violence, sexual assault, intimidation and property damage.
His convictions included three counts of assault by penetration, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of assault by beating, one count of witness intimidation and one count of criminal damage.
On April 17, 2026, Siddle received an extended sentence comprising 18 years in prison and a further five-year extension period. The total 23-year sentence also included an indefinite restraining order, and he was placed on the sex offender register indefinitely.
Detective Constable Gemma Hodgkinson, who worked on the investigation, condemned Siddle’s conduct and praised Godley’s determination throughout the proceedings.
Police also highlighted the importance of survivors reporting abuse and seeking specialist assistance, particularly when intimidation makes it difficult to speak openly.
Lucy Godley’s Emotional Reaction to the Guilty Verdict
The public response to Lucy Godley’s story intensified after she shared doorbell camera footage showing the moment her friends informed her that Siddle had been convicted.
Godley had been too frightened to attend court for the verdict. Instead, four close friends attended the hearing and later returned to her home with the news.
The footage captured her becoming overwhelmed with emotion as her friends celebrated and embraced her. The video attracted millions of views and prompted supportive messages from people who had experienced similar relationships.
Godley described the conviction as a moment when she could finally begin to feel safe after years of fear.
However, she has also spoken about the lasting psychological effects of domestic violence, explaining that a successful prosecution does not immediately erase the trauma experienced by survivors.
Where Is Ben Siddle Now?
Ben Siddle was imprisoned following his conviction and sentencing in April 2026. He is subject to an indefinite restraining order protecting his former partner and must remain on the sex offender register indefinitely.
Public reporting has not established the specific prison where he is being held. A subsequent account of the case indicated that he was appealing his conviction or sentence, although no verified outcome of that appeal has been established here.
Meanwhile, Lucy Godley has continued sharing her experiences to raise awareness about domestic abuse and the challenges survivors encounter within the justice system.
Her story has drawn attention not only because of the severity of Siddle’s offences but also because of the courage required to document the violence while living under constant fear.
For Godley, the conviction represents an important step toward rebuilding her life with her children. Her experience also serves as a reminder of how trusted family members, careful evidence preservation and professional support can help survivors pursue justice.