A prison teacher at HMP Chelmsford has been nailed for an illicit fling with a prisoner. Melissa Murphy, 48, abused her role and now faces jail time.
Teacher’s Secret Prison Romance Exposed
Melissa Murphy, previously Melissa O’Brien, was caught swapping steamy letters with an inmate. Staff found her locked inside a classroom with no keys and later uncovered a hidden photo of the prisoner at her home.
- Murphy worked at HMP Chelmsford for four years
- The affair began in summer 2023
- First letter from the prisoner appeared in November 2023
- Letters revealed a secret sexual relationship
Jailed for Breach of Trust
After being arrested in December 2023, Murphy pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on 2 October 2025. She was handed eight months behind bars plus 12 months supervision after release.
Police Slam ‘Dangerous’ Misconduct
“Murphy abused a position of trust by forming this inappropriate relationship,” said Detective Becky Sparrow. “Anyone in prison is vulnerable. Staff must never put them in harm’s way. She risked both their safety.”
“By entering this relationship, Murphy compromised the whole justice system’s integrity.”
The scandal rocked HMP Chelmsford, where police and prison staff worked hand-in-hand to build a solid case. The message is clear: prison staff must keep it professional to protect inmates and themselves.
