Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
A prison counselor who sent an “explicit” love letter to a prisoner and was found “flustered” alone with him in a locked room has been jailed for eight months.
Chelmsford Crown Court heard handwritten letters containing “explicit romantic and sexual content” from Melissa Murphy, 49, formerly known as Melissa O’Brien, were found in a prisoner’s cell at HMP Chelmsford and photos of the prisoner were found at her home.
During a disciplinary interview, she admitted to writing love letters and locking herself in a studio with prisoners, but denied any physical relationship.
She admitted having an inappropriate relationship with a prisoner and was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday.
Judge Jamie Sawyer said that on December 8, 2023, Murphy asked the prisoner to be taken to the studio even though there were no classes scheduled for that day.
“The unusual request caused concern. You were later found to be alone with him in a locked room and when the door was opened you appeared panicked,” he said.
Murphy started working in 2020, providing job training to help inmates find employment after they are released from prison.
She was first arrested on December 11, 2023, and her teaching position was terminated.
Murphy was subsequently charged on February 12, 2025. She admitted one count of misconduct in public office at a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 28.
In the same court on Friday, Judge Sawyer said: “Ms Murphy, your offenses are so serious that only a custodial sentence is justified.
“You held a position of trust within the prison and abused that trust by entering into a romantic relationship with a prisoner, entangling yourself in corruption and undermining confidence in the prison system.”
The court heard a SIM card was found at Murphy’s home and among letters and the prisoner encouraged him to provide it to maintain personal contact with him.
The judge said he could see no evidence that would happen, but said the potential was obvious.
Prosecutors did not suggest a physical relationship took place, and Murphy denied any physical intimacy.
Jailing Murphy for eight months and describing the offense as an “isolated failing”, the judge said: “The victims here, and in my judgment there are victims, are members of the public.
“Confidence in the prison system is vital. Your actions further undermine that confidence, particularly at HMP Chelmsford.”
The judge told Murphy she would serve 40 per cent of her eight-month sentence in prison.