Livvy Edney, 44, a prison officer at HMP Channings Wood in Devon, was jailed for six months after secretly forming a relationship with inmate Paul Young, a convicted rapist serving a sentence for assault by penetration. The relationship began in November 2022 when Edney became Young’s supervisor, sparking a police and prison investigation into misconduct.
Livvy Edney Attack Horror
Prison officials grew suspicious and transferred Young to another facility in January 2023. Edney then used two pay-as-you-go mobiles registered under false names and a relative’s address to maintain covert contact. Recorded calls revealed declarations of love, poetry readings, and plans for a holiday to Venice after Young’s release.
Wood Attack Horror
Edney was arrested at her Torquay home in March 2023. She denied the relationship and knowledge of the phones during police interviews. However, searches of Young’s cell uncovered letters, notes, and a sexually explicit Valentine’s card from Edney, confirming illicit contact.
Detective Sergeant Will Martel, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit: “Edney went to significant lengths to conceal the relationship, knowing that it was a serious breach of her position. Corruption will not be tolerated within our prisons.”
Court Verdict Delivered
Edney pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office at Exeter Crown Court. Her defence cited personal struggles including a traumatic childhood and a previous abusive marriage. Judge James Patrick sentenced her to six months imprisonment, stressing her awareness of professional boundaries.
Judge James Patrick: “There is no evidence of a physical relationship, but your connection was highly sexual. Despite warnings, you continued contact through subterfuge, including false identities and disguised numbers.”
The judge added that an immediate custodial sentence was essential to uphold the integrity of the prison service.
