Brutal A ttack at Smugglers Cove Hotel
Polly Murphy, from Highgate, London, has been handed a life sentence for the savage murder of her partner at a Clacton hotel.
The horrifying a ttack took place on 8 November 2023 at the Smugglers Cove hotel on Hartley Brook Road. Murphy as saulted 47-year-old James Self in a violent two-hour rampage involving punches, kicks and stampings.
Disturbing Delay Before Help Was Sought
Despite the severity of the as sault, Murphy waited an a ppalling 18 hours before calling an a mbulance. When she finally did, she deceitfully claimed James had only suffered a broken leg, downplaying the extent of his injuries.
Justice A fter James Dies in Hospital
James Self succumbed to his injuries on 21 December 2023 while in hospital. Following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, Polly Murphy was found guilty of murder on 13 January 2026.
On 4 February, the court sentenced her to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years.
