A 44-year-old prison officer at HMP Channings Wood in Devon faces six months behind bars after engaging in a highly inappropriate romantic relationship with a convicted sex offender under her supervision.
Livvy Edney, from Grenville Avenue in Torquay, admitted misconduct in public office at Exeter Crown Court. She repeatedly declared her love for inmate Paul Young, who is serving a Public Protection sentence for a serious sexual offense.
Signs of the Inappropriate Liaison
Edney assumed the role of Young’s key supervisor in 2023. Prison staff grew suspicious of their interactions, prompting Young’s relocation to HMP The Verne. Despite the move, Edney showed unusual concern for Young and volunteered to clear out his cell.
The pair maintained contact through monitored three-way phone calls involving Young’s mother, an approved contact. Edney disguised herself as Young’s old friend, Jules, during these half-hour conversations.
Prosecutor Tom Bradnock noted that the recordings revealed clear declarations of love. Young recited poems he wrote for Edney, and they discussed future dates, a potential trip to Venice, and exchanged clothing to capture each other’s scent while sleeping.
Conversations included frequent references to sexual activities and coordinated masturbation sessions. Bradnock stated: “The prosecution can’t say based on the transcripts whether it was a physical relationship, but clearly it was within their contemplation.”
Discovery of Explicit Valentine’s Card
The final call occurred on February 11, 2023, leading to Edney’s arrest less than a month later. A search of her phone showed queries about Young and IPP sentences.
In Young’s cell, investigators found a Valentine’s card with two penguins on the front. Inside, Edney wrote: “Roses are red, violets are blue, I’ll make you scream,” referencing a sex toy.
Sentencing and Background
Judge James Patrick remarked: “Offences of this sort risk undermining public trust in the system.” He added: “There is no evidence of [a physical relationship] but plainly your relationship was highly sexual even if not physical.”
Edney, a mother with limited experience as a prison officer, had returned to work after illness. She cited a troubled upbringing and ADHD but acknowledged the rules against inappropriate inmate relationships. The court heard Young had previously romanced another officer, which drew Edney’s interest.
Detective Sergeant Will Martel of the SWROCU commented: “Edney went to significant lengths to conceal the relationship, knowing it was a serious breach of her position. Corruption will not be tolerated within our prisons.”
