CCTV reveals lady casually strolling out of lodge room after lethal assault on boyfriend
Polly Murphy from Highgate was sentenced to life with a minimum of 15 years for murdering James Self in a Clacton hotel – she waited 18 hours to call an ambulance after the horror attack
A woman who brutally killed her partner in a hotel has been sentenced to life behind bars. Polly Murphy, from Hornsey Lane Gardens in Highgate, attacked her 47-year-old partner James Self at the Smugglers Cove hotel on Hartley Brook Road, Clacton, on 8 November 2023.
The court was previously told that Murphy had waited a staggering 18 hours before calling an ambulance for James, merely suggesting he might have a broken leg. When medics finally attended to him, it was discovered that James had been subjected to a relentless two-hour beating involving punches, kicks and stomps.
James tragically succumbed to his injuries in hospital six weeks later on 21 December 2023, leading to Murphy being convicted of his murder on 13 January 2026 at Chelmsford Crown Court. The same court today handed down a life sentence to Murphy with a minimum term of 15 years.
Footage released by police shows Murphy devoid of any emotion as she repeatedly answered “no comment” when questions were put to her by detectives.
CCTV footage captured from inside the hotel shows her leaving the room with her luggage as though nothing has happened while her partner lay dying.
Detective Anthony Kopf of the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, the officer assigned to this case, commented: “We know this outcome can never compensate for the loss endured by James’ family, but I hope it brings some closure to this incredibly harrowing ordeal.”, reports the Mirror.
“His family and his mother Ashe have shown remarkable dignity in the face of the most distressing evidence. They heard how James had been subjected to a pattern of abuse, both physical and emotional, from Murphy starting well before that fateful night in Clacton.”
“The successful conviction was made possible by the collaborative efforts of our officers, expert medical witnesses, the CPS, and crown prosecutors Barnaby Shaw and Samantha Wright. Over two years of meticulous work left Murphy with no room for denial in court, and the jury swiftly delivered a guilty verdict for murder.
“This case highlights that domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender. We urge anyone experiencing abuse to seek help without feeling ashamed.
“Essex Police is committed to providing assistance, support, and guidance to those affected.
In a heart-wrenching victim personal statement shared during sentencing, James’ mother Ashe expressed her unbearable grief: “The intense grief of losing James and learning in the court of the verbal, psychological and physical abuse is utterly unimaginable.”
She added: “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. I am grateful to all concerned who heard James’ voice in the dark and believed him.”
Ashe concluded: “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.”
