Overview
- Melissa Murphy pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court to misconduct in public office after forming an inappropriate relationship with an inmate.
- A colleague reported her in December 2023 after finding her alone with the prisoner in a locked room, where she appeared flustered and had her keys removed.
- Investigators recovered erotic letters, a photograph, a Nokia phone and SIM cards, with correspondence discussing a SIM to maintain private contact.
- Judge Jamie Sawyer said the public was the victim because confidence in prison security was eroded, while noting no evidence a SIM was actually supplied.
- Murphy was dismissed from her post and was told she will serve up to 40% of the eight‑month sentence in custody.