Woman Receives Life Sentence for Brutal Hotel Room Murder
Polly Murphy has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years for the murder of her partner, James Self, following a horrific and sustained attack in a Clacton hotel room. The 47-year-old victim was subjected to a brutal two-hour beating before being left to die, with Murphy captured on CCTV casually walking away from the scene with her luggage.
Chilling Details of the Fatal Attack
The court heard how Murphy, of Hornsey Lane Gardens in Highgate, launched a violent assault on James Self at the Smugglers Cove hotel in Clacton on November 8, 2023. Over a prolonged period of approximately two hours, she subjected him to repeated punches, kicks and stomps, inflicting catastrophic injuries.
Disturbingly, Murphy failed to call for emergency services until 18 hours had passed, during which time she suggested to ambulance operators that her partner might have simply broken a leg. When medical professionals finally reached the scene, they discovered the true extent of the horrific violence inflicted upon the victim.
Victim's Tragic Death and Emotional Court Proceedings
James Self was rushed to hospital where he fought for his life for six weeks before tragically succumbing to his injuries on December 21, 2023. The case reached its conclusion at Chelmsford Crown Court where Murphy was convicted of murder on January 13, 2026, and subsequently handed her life sentence.
During police interviews, Murphy appeared completely devoid of emotion, repeatedly answering "no comment" when questioned about the fatal incident. His Honour Judge Christopher Morgan described her violent behaviour in court, noting how she had taken offence at being called a girlfriend and had become "erratic, volatile and threatening."
Family's Heartbreaking Testimony and Police Response
In a powerful Victim Personal Statement shared during sentencing, James Self's mother Ashe described the "intense grief" of losing her son and learning about the sustained abuse he had endured. She spoke of how the "lack of humanity shown after his brutal final fatal attack is imprinted on my mind and will haunt me for the remainder of my days."
Detective Anthony Kopf of the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, who led the investigation, emphasised that "this case serves as a reminder that domestic abuse can affect anyone, including men." He praised the coordinated efforts of officers, medical experts and prosecutors that ensured Murphy had "nowhere to hide in court," leading to the jury's swift guilty verdict.
The detective added a crucial message for anyone experiencing abuse: "No one should feel ashamed to seek help. Essex Police are here to assist, support, and guide anyone experiencing abuse, regardless of gender."
A Harrowing Case of Domestic Violence
This tragic case highlights several disturbing aspects of domestic violence, including the prolonged nature of the abuse preceding the fatal attack. The court heard how Murphy had previously thrown a phone at James Self's head, causing a black eye, and had made repeated threats including telling him she would "hunt him down" and "kill him."
Judge Morgan noted that the victim's mother was aware of the physical and verbal violence in the final months of her son's life, leaving her profoundly distressed. The judge described the family's grief as "profound" and their pain as "visceral," underscoring the devastating impact of this brutal crime on all those who loved James Self.
