Jeffrey James Godfrey, 53, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after strangling his estranged wife, Vanessa Godfrey, 46, on Valentine's Day 2022. The incident occurred at the Pelican Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast, where the couple, who had been separated for some time, were staying.
Vanessa Godfrey. Photo: Vanessa Godfrey/Facebook
The Brisbane Supreme Court heard that the couple had been married for 27 years but remained in contact despite their separation. Prosecutors revealed that Godfrey, who had struggled with methamphetamine use for a decade, was suffering from paranoia and delusions at the time of the killing. Although he was not under the influence of drugs during the incident, he believed his wife had stolen his driver’s license and Medicare card.
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The situation escalated when Vanessa asked Jeffrey for a neck massage on the morning of February 14. According to court reports, he then strangled her. After her death, he reportedly cut her arms, believing she was still alive, and later attempted to harm himself before hotel staff discovered the scene.
Initially charged with murder, Godfrey’s charge was reduced to manslaughter after he was diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis. During the hearing, Godfrey’s daughter, Olivia, delivered a victim impact statement, describing how her mother’s death had "changed her life in every way possible." She expressed the deep emotional trauma caused by her father’s actions.
The prosecution has recommended a 10-year prison sentence, while the defence has argued for a 9-year sentence. Justice Glenn Martin will deliver the final sentence on January 30.
