A prison tutor has admitted misconduct after engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at HMP Chelmsford. Melissa Murphy, 48, was caught when a colleague found her classroom door locked from the inside, with her keys removed from her person.
Murphy, formerly known as Melissa O'Brien, had worked at the prison for four years. She first met the inmate in summer 2023 and received an initial letter from him in November that year. Instead of reporting it, she replied, and the pair exchanged several letters indicating a relationship.
Concerns were raised after another staff member tried to enter the classroom where only Murphy and the prisoner were present, finding the door locked and her keys detached. Her role required keys to remain attached at all times to prevent escape risks.
Following the incident, Murphy was arrested on December 11, 2023. A search of her home in Chelmsford, Essex, uncovered further letters and a photo of the inmate in her bedroom. Her employment as a teacher helping prisoners prepare for release was terminated.
Murphy was charged via postal requisition on February 12, 2025, and pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 28. Detective Constable Becky Sparrow said: 'Murphy abused a position of trust by forming this inappropriate relationship. By definition, anyone held in prison is in a vulnerable position.'
DC Sparrow added: '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.'
