A woman has been found guilty of murdering her partner after subjecting him to what authorities described as a sustained campaign of abuse.
A Fatal Trip to the Seaside
Polly Murphy, aged 47, fatally assaulted her 47-year-old partner, James Self, during a trip to Clacton-on-Sea in Essex. The violent attack occurred at a hotel on Hartley Brook Road on 8 November 2023.
Mr Self, who was from London, sustained multiple severe injuries. He was taken to hospital but tragically died from his wounds on 21 December 2023, after a six-week fight for his life.
Evidence of a Campaign of Control and Violence
During the subsequent investigation and trial, evidence presented by Essex Police revealed that Mr Self had suffered injuries in previous assaults carried out by Murphy. Text messages also documented her increasingly volatile treatment of him in the lead-up to the fatal incident.
Murphy, of Hornsey Lane Garden in Highgate, London, was initially charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. However, prosecutors successfully pursued a murder charge. Following a four-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, a jury convicted her of murder. She is now awaiting sentencing next month.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Tribute
In a powerful and moving statement, James Self's mother, Ashe, paid tribute to her 'beloved gentle son'. She revealed the profound impact of the domestic abuse he endured, stating he was embarrassed by the control and violence being inflicted on him.
"Like so many men James was embarrassed by the control and violence being inflicted on him. Sadly, he would never come forward to seek help," she said.
She described how his personality changed dramatically, from a sociable and happy person to someone who was sad, uncertain, and withdrawn—a change noticed by his friends. "Knowing James as I do so well, I realise he would not have fully understood the violence or how to deal with it. He thought loving her would be enough," she added.
Reflecting on the tragedy, his mother concluded, "His kindness may have cost him his life." She spoke of the family's two years of grief and how the case had educated her on the devastating effects of domestic violence on victims.
