Overview
- Melissa Murphy was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court to eight months in prison for misconduct in public office and will serve up to 40% in custody with a 12‑month supervision order after release.
- Her conduct came to light when a colleague found her alone with an inmate in a locked workshop on December 8, 2023, with her keys removed and her demeanor described as flustered.
- Investigators found sexually explicit letters between Murphy and the prisoner and a photograph of him at her home, and she admitted writing the letters and locking the room but denied any physical intimacy.
- A SIM card or SIM card packaging was recovered and letters showed encouragement to supply a SIM for private contact, though the judge said there was no evidence it was used.
- Murphy was arrested on December 11, 2023, dismissed from her role, and pleaded guilty in 2025, as Essex Police condemned her for abusing a position of trust and exploiting a vulnerable prisoner.