Prison tutor jailed over inmate relationship
Melissa Murphy, a 49-year-old tutor, has been sentenced to eight months in prison for misconduct and planning to supply a SIM card to an inmate at HMP Chelmsford. Read the full story.
Melissa Murphy, a 49-year-old tutor, has been sentenced to eight months in prison for misconduct and planning to supply a SIM card to an inmate at HMP Chelmsford. Read the full story.
Polly Murphy, 47, has been convicted of murdering her partner James Self following a sustained campaign of abuse. The victim's mother says he was 'embarrassed' by the violence. Read the full story.
Two students from St John Payne Catholic School in Chelmsford secured top spots in a national Bible project, beating 10,000 entrants. Read about their remarkable achievement and prizes.
A damning inspection reveals 'poor' living conditions and readily available drugs at HMP Featherstone. Read the full report on the urgent need for long-term investment.
Join a unique 5km walk in Chelmsford on Feb 5, blending street art with mental wellbeing. Support the Mayor's charity. Register now for this 'Time to Talk' event.
A damning report reveals 'dreary' and run-down conditions at HMP Featherstone in Staffordshire, with inspectors criticising shabby cells and bleak facilities. Read the full findings.
A damning inspection reveals HMP Featherstone near Wolverhampton has a high drug availability and self-harm rate. Leaders urged to take 'robust action'.
Lee Spence, 25, launched a premeditated attack on his father John in HMP Perth, leaving a wound needing 40 stitches. He was given an extended sentence.
Police are searching for Kieran Cameron, 43, who absconded from HMP Thorn Cross. He is serving 23 years for a 2016 attempted murder in Dorset. Do not approach, call 999.
Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne, who absconded from HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day, are back in custody. Armstrong faces a new robbery charge. Read the full details.
Two fugitive inmates who fled HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day have been recaptured. Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne were arrested in separate operations.
Two dangerous offenders who absconded from HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day have been captured. Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne were arrested following public sightings. Read the full police update.
Police issue urgent update as convicted murderers Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne, who absconded from HMP Leyhill, are captured on CCTV in Bristol. Public warned not to approach.
Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman reflects on a busy 2025 handling over 100,000 emails and key votes on assisted dying. She outlines the Liberal Democrats' opposition role and previews 2026's Hillsborough Law debate.
Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire. Police urge public not to approach and call 999 immediately if seen.
Seven inmates died at HMP Birmingham last year as prison deaths across England and Wales rose by 30%. Coroner warns 'more will die' without action on drone drug drops.
Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani shares a powerful New Year message for 2026, reflecting on meeting Pope Leo and the timeless Christian call to hope amidst uncertainty. Read her full address.
Police Scotland is searching for James Fitzpatrick, 36, who absconded from an approved visit. Last seen in Irvine, he may have taken a bus to Ardrossan. Do not approach.
Five female prison officers have been jailed in 2025 for inappropriate relationships with inmates. Read the shocking details of the cases and the ongoing crackdown.
Police are searching for Mahad Elmi, 27, who left HMP Springhill between Christmas and Boxing Day. The public are warned not to approach him and to call 999 immediately if seen.
Prisoners at HMP Birmingham will be served a traditional festive meal on Christmas Day 2025, including turkey and nut roast. See the full menu and how it's funded within the existing budget.
Major changes to Chelmsford's Chelmer Valley Park and Ride, including reduced hours and new fares, will start in 2026 to improve value for money. Read the full details.
The full Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus for HMP Birmingham's 1,450 inmates have been disclosed. See the meal choices, from halal options to festive treats.
The festive menu for over 1,400 inmates at HMP Birmingham has been disclosed, featuring turkey, vegan options, and Christmas pudding. Discover the full festive spread served on December 25.
Police are hunting Ethan Black, 36, who escaped an open prison in Derbyshire. The public is warned not to approach him. Contact Derbyshire Constabulary with information.
As 2025 ends, MP Marie Goldman reflects on the irreplaceable human spirit in Chelmsford's charities, from litter-picking to supporting veterans, proving community action beats any algorithm.
A coroner warns of more deaths at HMP Birmingham unless action is taken to stop drones smuggling drugs like spice. Read the urgent report and demands for change.
A corrupt prison officer led a gang to smuggle cannabis and tobacco into HMP Birmingham for her inmate partner. All four conspirators have been sentenced to prison.
A corrupt prison officer has been jailed for her role in a plot to smuggle cannabis and tobacco into HMP Birmingham for her inmate boyfriend. Read the full story of the investigation here.
A 19-year-old prison officer and a 30-year-old inmate confessed to misconduct after a secret affair at HMP Five Wells. Both admitted multiple charges and will be sentenced in January 2026.