Woman guilty of murdering partner in Clacton
Polly Murphy will be sentenced next month.
Last updated 13th Jan 2026
A woman from London has been found guilty of murdering her partner in a hotel room in Clacton.
Polly Murphy, from Hornsey Lane Gardens in Highgate, assaulted 47-year-old James Self at a hotel on Hartley Brook Road on 8th November 2023. James, also from London, sustained multiple injuries and died in hospital on 21st December 2023.
During her trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, which began in November 2025, the jury heard from medical experts and reviewed evidence of Murphy’s escalating treatment of James in the weeks leading up to the fatal assault. Messages exchanged between Murphy and James revealed a pattern of abuse culminating in the attack.
Detective Anthony Kopf from the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate said Murphy had subjected James to continued abuse, and described how delays in the case, caused by changes in Murphy’s legal team, did not impact the integrity of the investigation.
“Murphy now faces a life sentence for her crimes,” Kopf said. “This case serves as a reminder that domestic abuse can affect anyone, including men. No one should feel ashamed to seek help.”
James’ mother, Ashe, also shared her emotional statement ahead of Murphy’s sentencing next month. She described her son as a gentle and sociable person, whose kindness may have cost him his life.
“My beloved gentle son was in my arms when the dreaded heart monitor signalled the end of his six-week struggle for life,” Ashe said. “He thought loving her would be enough. James always believed in the good in people.”
Murphy will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday 4th February.
For anyone who may be experiencing domestic abuse, advice on how to report offences or seek support is available on our website.