A woman has been found guilty of murdering her boyfriend in a hotel room assault that followed what the court described as a 'sustained campaign of abuse'.
A Fatal Assault and a Pattern of Abuse
Polly Murphy attacked 47-year-old James Self in a hotel room during a trip to Clacton-on-Sea on 8 November 2023. Mr Self, who was from London, suffered multiple injuries in the violent ordeal. He was taken to hospital but tragically died from his wounds on 21 December that year, after a six-week fight for life.
During the four-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, jurors heard that this was not an isolated incident. Essex Police presented evidence showing Murphy had attacked Mr Self on previous occasions. Text messages revealed what prosecutors termed an 'increasingly volatile treatment' of him in the days and weeks leading up to the fatal assault.
A Family's Heartbreak and a Call for Awareness
In an emotional victim impact statement, James Self's mother, Ashe, described her son as a 'gentle' and 'caring' man who was profoundly changed by the abuse. She said he had become 'sad, uncertain and withdrawn', a change noticed by his friends.
'Like so many men James was embarrassed by the control and violence being inflicted on him,' she stated. 'Sadly, he would never come forward to seek help. He thought loving her would be enough... His kindness may have cost him his life.'
She spoke of the family's immense grief and the 'brutality inflicted on a caring and frankly vulnerable man', adding that the two years since the attack had changed all of them forever.
Justice Served After a Complex Investigation
Murphy was initially charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. Following Mr Self's death, the charge was upgraded to murder. After being convicted by the jury, she now faces a life sentence and will be sentenced next month.
Detective Anthony Kop, of the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, said the extensive two-year investigation had aimed to secure justice for James. He praised the dignity of the family, who had to listen to medical experts detail the extent of the injuries, some of which were from earlier assaults.
'This case serves as a stark reminder that domestic abuse can affect anyone, including men,' Det. Kop emphasised. 'No one should feel ashamed to seek help. Essex Police are here to assist, support, and guide anyone experiencing abuse, regardless of gender.'
The detective also acknowledged delays in the court proceedings due to changes in Murphy's legal representation, but stressed these did not affect the integrity of the evidence or the work of prosecutors Barnaby Shaw and Samantha Wright, who were supported by the Crown Prosecution Service.
