Overview
- Jurors at Chelmsford Crown Court returned a unanimous murder verdict, with sentencing set for February 4 and the judge indicating a mandatory life term.
- Prosecutors said Murphy assaulted James Self over three days during a November 2023 stay at the Smuggler’s Cove hotel in Clacton.
- Self died in December 2023 from multi-organ failure after suffering bruising to his face and displaced fractured ribs, according to trial evidence.
- Hepatology expert Dr Ahmed Mohamed Elsharkawy testified the injuries worsened Self’s existing liver disease and directly caused his death.
- Paramedics reported blood throughout the room and recorded Self saying Murphy stamped on and punched him, while jurors also saw prior injury photos and a threatening text as the defence denied she caused the injuries and questioned his recollection.