A 48-year-old prison tutor has pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at HMP Chelmsford.
Discovery of Letters and a Photo
According to Essex Police, the relationship came to light after letters exchanged between the tutor, Melissa Murphy, and the prisoner were discovered. Officers also found a photo of the inmate in her bedroom at her home address in Chelmsford.
Murphy, who had worked at the prison for four years, first met the inmate in the summer of 2023. She claimed the first letter from him arrived in November that year. Instead of reporting this unsanctioned contact as required, she chose to reply, initiating a series of correspondences that indicated a personal relationship had developed.
The Locked Door Incident and Arrest
Concerns were formally raised following a specific incident at the prison. Another member of staff attempted to enter a classroom occupied solely by Murphy and the prisoner, only to find the door locked from the inside.
Critically, Murphy's keys, which prison policy dictated must remain attached to her person at all times to prevent potential escapes, had been removed. This breach of security protocol triggered an investigation.
Murphy, of Dorset Close in Chelmsford, was subsequently arrested on 11 December 2023. Her role as a teacher, which involved helping to train inmates for employment post-release, was immediately terminated.
Guilty Plea and Awaiting Sentence
Following her arrest, further letters detailing their exchanges were seized from her home. She was charged via postal requisition on 12 February 2025 and appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.
On 28 November 2025, Murphy entered a guilty plea to one count of misconduct in a public office. The court will pass sentence at a later date.
Detective Constable Becky Sparrow, the officer in the case, stated: “Murphy abused a position of trust by forming this inappropriate relationship. By definition, anyone held in prison is in a vulnerable position. It is crucial that staff and prison officers do not put those they are required to help in positions such as this.”
DC Sparrow emphasised the wider implications, adding: “The integrity of everyone working within the criminal justice system is required to keep prisoners and the public safe. By entering into this relationship, Murphy compromised that integrity, exploited a vulnerable man and left herself open to exploitation too.”
The investigation was a joint effort between Essex Police and the security department at HMP Chelmsford, resulting in what the force described as a strong case that left Murphy with little choice but to admit guilt.
