Woman who beat her boyfriend to death seen casually walking out of hotel room
A woman who beat her boyfriend to death was caught on CCTV calmly walking out of the hotel room where he was left critically injured, a court has heard.
Polly Murphy, of Hornsey Lane Gardens in Highgate, was recorded leaving the Smugglers Cove hotel in Clacton on November 8, 2023, after launching a brutal attack on her partner, 47-year-old James Self, who was also from London.
Prosecutors previously told the court Murphy failed to call for help for around 18 hours after the assault. When she eventually contacted emergency services, she reportedly suggested to ambulance operators that James may have only broken a leg, as per The Mirror.
However, when paramedics arrived, the reality was far more severe. James had suffered devastating injuries during a two-hour period of violence, involving repeated punches, kicks, and stomps. He was taken to the hospital but never recovered, dying six weeks later on December 21, 2023.
Murphy was convicted of James’ murder on January 13, 2026, at Chelmsford Crown Court. On Tuesday, she was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 15 years.
Police later released footage of Murphy appearing emotionless as she repeatedly responded, “no comment,” during questioning about the incident.
During sentencing, His Honour Judge Christopher Morgan described a pattern of escalating aggression and threats in the months before the fatal assault.
“You took offence to him calling you his girlfriend. You became erratic, volatile, and threatening. When he responded to you in conciliatory terms, your abuse turned physical. Around 7 October, you threw a phone at his head, causing a black eye.
“You soon returned to your threats; threats he should watch his back, that you would hunt him down, and on one occasion that you would kill him. His mother Ashe, speaks of her son James having a gentle temperament, leaving her distressed that she was aware of your physical and verbal violence in those final few months.
The grief of the family is profound and the pain is visceral.” Detective Anthony Kopf of the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate said the conviction was the result of years of investigation and teamwork.
“This sentence was only possible thanks to the co-ordinated efforts of our officers, expert medical witnesses, the CPS and crown prosecutors Barnaby Shaw and Samantha Wright,” he said.
“More than two years of our work meant Murphy had nowhere to hide in court, and the jury quickly concluded she was guilty of murder. This case serves as a reminder that domestic abuse can affect anyone, including men.
“No one should feel ashamed to seek help. Essex Police are here to assist, support, and guide anyone experiencing abuse, regardless of gender.”
In a Victim Personal Statement shared at sentencing, James’ mother, Ashe, described the impact of losing her son and the trauma of learning what he endured.
“The intense grief of losing James and learning in the court of the verbal, psychological and physical abuse is utterly unimaginable. 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,” she said.
“I am grateful to all concerned who heard James’ 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.”
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