A former prison tutor has been sentenced to eight months behind bars after a court found she engaged in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at HMP Chelmsford.
Abuse of Trust in a Locked Room
Melissa Murphy was discovered in a compromising situation that led to her conviction for misconduct in a public office. The incident came to light when she was found alone with the prisoner in a locked room, appearing visibly flustered. This occurred after she had specifically requested the inmate be brought to a workshop, despite there being no class scheduled for him at that time.
Explicit Letters and Denials
During the subsequent investigation, handwritten letters from Murphy containing what were described as 'explicit romantic and sexual content' were discovered in the prisoner's cell. Adding to the evidence, a photograph of the inmate was later found during a search of Murphy's home.
In a disciplinary interview, Murphy admitted to writing love letters to the inmate and to locking herself in the workshop with him. However, she consistently denied that the relationship had become physical.
Judge's Sentencing and Consequences
Presiding over the case at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Jamie Sawyer delivered a stern rebuke. He stated that Murphy had abused her position of trust in a serious manner, an act that served to undermine public confidence in the prison system.
The judge imposed an eight-month custodial sentence. It was confirmed that Murphy will serve up to 40 per cent of her sentence in custody before being eligible for release on licence. The case, concluded on Friday 16 January 2026, highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining professional boundaries within the prison service.
