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Abuser Jailed 15 Years for Hotel Murder
4 Feb
Summary
- Polly Murphy received a life sentence with a minimum of 15 years.
- James Self died six weeks after the sustained attack.
- Murphy waited 18 hours to call for medical help.

A woman has been jailed for a minimum of 15 years after being found guilty of murdering her partner in a hotel room. Polly Murphy, 42, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court for the killing of James Self, 47. Mr. Self tragically died six weeks after the sustained attack, which took place on November 8, 2023, in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. During the assault at the Hartley Brook Road hotel, Mr. Self sustained serious injuries.
Murphy delayed calling for an ambulance for 18 hours following the attack. She initially reported to emergency services that Mr. Self might have a broken leg, significantly understating the severity of his condition. Evidence presented to the jury, including text messages, demonstrated Murphy's extensive efforts to control her partner. The investigation took two years, leaving the defendant with no defense in court.




