A prison tutor has been sentenced to eight months behind bars after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with an inmate, which involved sending explicit handwritten love letters.
Locked Room Encounter and Explicit Correspondence
Melissa Murphy, 49, formerly known as Melissa O'Brien, faced Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, 16 January 2026. The court was told that handwritten letters from Murphy, containing what was described as "explicit romantic and sexual content," were discovered inside the prisoner's cell at HMP Chelmsford.
Further evidence emerged when a photo of the inmate was found during a search of Murphy's home. During proceedings, it was also revealed that Murphy had been found "flustered" while alone with the prisoner in a locked workshop, an incident she later admitted to in a disciplinary interview.
Admissions and Denials in Court
While Murphy confessed to writing the love letters and to locking herself in the room with the inmate, she denied any physical relationship had taken place. Despite this denial, the weight of the correspondence and the breached security protocols led to a guilty plea for misconduct in a public office.
Eight-Month Sentence Handed Down
Judge Sarah Johnston sentenced Murphy to an immediate eight-month custodial term. The judge emphasised the severe breach of trust and professional boundaries inherent in the role of a prison tutor, whose duty is to rehabilitate, not to form personal relationships with those in custody.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about staff conduct within the prison system and the potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The story is developing, with further updates expected from the court.
