Lucy Godley, a 29-year-old mother-of-two from Portsmouth, has spoken out about the horrific domestic abuse she endured at the hands of her partner Ben Siddle, 27, who was recently jailed for 23 years after being found guilty of 10 counts of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The Abuse She Suffered
Lucy described how Siddle's abuse began after she became pregnant with their daughter in May 2021. Over two and a half years, he subjected her to repeated physical and sexual violence, including strangulation, kicking with steel-capped boots, biting, and suffocation. He also smashed a diffuser on her head, causing burns, and threw her phone against the wall. The abuse escalated to the point where Lucy feared for her life.
Gathering Evidence
Knowing she needed proof to secure a conviction, Lucy began sending photos of her injuries to her mother, immediately deleting them from her phone to avoid detection. She compiled a year-long log of the abuse, which impressed police when she finally reported it. 'I just knew he would be released if I didn't have these pictures,' she said.
The Verdict and Sentence
On the day of the verdict, Lucy sent her friends to court to hear the outcome, fearing Siddle would be acquitted. The emotional moment they told her the guilty verdict was captured on her ring doorbell, showing her sobbing with relief. Siddle was sentenced to 23 years in prison, given a restraining order, and placed on the sex offender registry indefinitely.
Impact on Lucy
Lucy now suffers from severe anxiety, depression, CPTSD, and dissociation. Her weight dropped to six stone during the relationship. She said she feels like she can 'exhale for the first time in five years.' She also addressed the common question, 'Why didn't you just leave?' explaining that the justice system and society often fail victims, and that she was manipulated into believing her children would be taken away.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Gemma Hodgkinson from Winchester CID commended Lucy's bravery and encouraged other victims to come forward, stating, 'You will be believed and we will always carry out a thorough investigation.'
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time.
