A 31-year-old man has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 17 years, after he changed his plea on the fifth day of trial and admitted murdering Samantha Murphy in Portsmouth last year.

Charlie James Jeans of Margate Road in Southsea appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court this today (Wednesday 17 June), after admitting his guilt at the same court on Monday mid-trial.

Officers were called at 7:37am on Thursday 5 June 2025, to a report that the body of 32-year-old Samantha had been located at her address on Wadham Road in Portsmouth.

Following an investigation by the Major Crime team, officers identified CCTV which showed that Samantha and her partner, Jeans, had been at a pub together until around 11:30pm on Wednesday 4 June.

Doorbell camera footage from Wadham Road then captured them walking in the direction of Samantha’s address, and a notification found on Samantha’s phone showed an activation of her own doorbell camera at around 11:45pm.

A neighbour reported that a short time later, they heard a loud voice shouting “I’m going to kill you”, and then a woman screaming.

At around 12:20am on Thursday 5 June, Jeans sent a text message to his mother telling her, ‘I’m going to prison for a very long time I love you’.

Jeans was then seen on the doorbell camera leaving the address at 1:40am, after which he went into hiding for four days, until being located and arrested.

Jeans initially pleaded not guilty to murder and appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court last week for trial, but five days in, on Monday 15 June, he changed his plea and admitted to murdering Samantha.

This afternoon, Jeans was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years.

Samantha’s family and friends, speaking outside of court after the hearing, said, “Today, we have secured justice for our beautiful Sammie Jo.

“Sam was a kind and loving daughter, sister, and mother. To me, she was my best friend and sidekick.

“To her sisters, Louise & Jodie, she was a deeply beloved friend and baby sister. Her contagious laugh lit up every room, and she was adored by all who met her.

“Above all, Sam was a fiercely devoted mother to her three young children. They were her world. We are united in our promise to give them the love, care, and support they need to thrive. We will ensure they grow up knowing exactly how much their mother adored them.

“From the beginning, we were determined to see justice done. Reaching this milestone allows us to focus entirely on celebrating Sam’s life, and we will never allow the light she brought to us all to be forgotten.

“We extend our deepest thanks to Hampshire Constabulary and Jo Martin KC for her unwavering support and dedication.

Shine bright, Sammie.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jody Beresford said, “Samantha’s life was cut cruelly short by a man who she should have been able to trust and rely on. Jeans betrayed her in a way that most people cannot even imagine.

“In one selfish, violent act, he has robbed Samantha of her future and her family and friends of their loved one.

“Whilst I am glad to see Jeans put behind bars, today my thoughts remain solely with those who knew and loved Samantha. Murder is a crime that no sentence will ever truly bring justice for.

“I’d like to thank Samantha’s family for their support throughout this investigation. I can only imagine how difficult the last year has been for you all, but your assistance has been invaluable in seeing today’s result secured.

“I would also like to thank my investigation team, who’s relentless hard work and dedication left Jeans with no choice but to admit his guilt and face the consequences.

“This includes DC Caz Reason and Family Liaison Officers DC Mark Johnson and PSI Vicki Rowen, who have supported Samantha’s family for over a year and worked tirelessly to prepare the case for trial.”

Domestic abuse and controlling coercive behaviour and abuse can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality or social background.

If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse, or are being threatened, intimidated or stalked, please know that you are not to blame for what’s happening. And you are not alone.

For advice and information on how to report domestic abuse to us, visit our website at Advice about domestic abuse | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

For information about how to make an application under Clare’s Law with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, please visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/alpha2/request-information-under-clares-law/

Under Clare’s Law you can:

• apply for information about your current or ex-partner because you’re worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you
• request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you’re worried they might be at risk

If there’s an immediate risk to someone’s safety, please call 999.