Chelmsford: Prison officer admits relationship with inmate

 A 48-year-old prison tutor has admitted an inappropriate relationship with a prisoner at HMP Chelmsford.

Melissa Murphy, formerly Melissa O'Brien, of Dorset Close in Chelmsford, was charged with misconduct in a public office after letters were discovered sent between herself and an inmate.

Murphy was first arrested on 11 December 2023 and she was terminated from her role as a teacher helping train those at HMP Chelmsford for employment after their release.

After a thorough investigation she was charged via postal requisition on 12 February 2025 and, on 28 November at a hearing in Chelmsford Crown Court, she pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office.

Detective Constable Becky Sparrow, the officer in the case, said:

“Murphy abused a position of trust by forming this inappropriate relationship.

“By definition, anyone held in prison is in a vulnerable position. It is crucial staff and prison officers do not put those they are required to help in positions such as this – she potentially put both of them at risk of harm through these actions.

“We now wait to hear what sentence the courts will pass.”

‘Open to exploitation’

Murphy had worked at the prison for four years, first meeting the inmate in the summer of 2023 and claimed she received the first letter from the prisoner in November 2023.

Instead of reporting the contact, Murphy replied and the pair exchanged several letters suggesting they had begun a relationship.

Concerns were raised when another member of prison staff tried to enter a classroom that only Murphy and the prisoner were in, only to find the door locked from the inside and her keys being removed from her person.

Her role required her keys to stay attached to her person at all times to prevent any prisoners accessing these and potentially escaping.

After this incident was reported Murphy was arrested and further letters detailing their exchanges were discovered at her home address, as well as a photo of the prisoner in her bedroom.

DC Sparrow added:

“The integrity of everyone working within the criminal justice system is required to keep prisoners and the public safe.

“By entering into this relationship, Murphy compromised that integrity, exploited a vulnerable man and left herself open to exploitation too.

“We worked closely with the security department and staff at HMP Chelmsford throughout this investigation to ensure this case was as strong as possible, and left her with no option but to plead guilty.”