Domestic abuser jailed for partner's hotel murder

A domestic abuser has been jailed for a minimum of 15 years for murdering her partner in a hotel room.

James Self, 47, died six weeks after Polly Murphy attacked him in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, on 8 November 2023.

Murphy, 42, of Hornsey Lane Gardens in Highgate, London, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court to life in prison and ordered to serve at least 15 years after being found guilty last month.

"The intense grief of losing James and learning in the court of the verbal, psychological and physical abuse is utterly unimaginable," said his mother, Ashe, in a statement read out in court.

"The lack of humanity shown after the brutal final fatal attack is imprinted on my mind and will haunt me for the remainder of my days.

"I am grateful to all concerned who heard James's voice in the dark and believed him.

"The pain of intense loss may fade after time, but the sadness will always be there.

"Thank you to all who stood up for James and honoured him."

Self, also from London, suffered serious injuries during the sustained attack at the hotel in Hartley Brook Road.

Murphy waited 18 hours before calling an ambulance and told them only that he might have a broken leg, Essex Police said.

Text messages shown to the jury displayed the extent of Murphy's attempt to control her partner, the force added.

Det Con Anthony Kopf, of the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, said officers had spent two years on the case, leaving Murphy with "nowhere to hide in court".

He added: "This case serves as a reminder that domestic abuse can affect anyone, including men.

"No-one should feel ashamed to seek help."

• Support and advice is available about domestic abuse via BBC Action Line

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