Former Prison Officer Sentenced for Inappropriate Relationship

Livvy Edney, a former prison officer, has been sentenced to six months in prison for engaging in a romantic and sexually suggestive relationship with an inmate at HMP Channings Wood in Devon.

Details of the Relationship

Edney, 44, began working at the prison in 2020 and became romantically involved with inmate Paul Young in November 2022 while serving as his supervisor. The relationship was discovered when prison authorities became suspicious and transferred Young to another facility in January 2023.

Circumventing Prison Regulations

Despite the transfer, Edney actively sought to maintain contact with Young. She used two pay-as-you-go mobile phones registered under a false name and a relative’s address to bypass prison regulations.

Evidence Presented in Court

Evidence presented at Exeter Crown Court included recorded phone calls where Edney and Young expressed their affection for each other. Young had even written sexually explicit poetry for Edney, which he recited during the calls.

A search of Young’s cell revealed a Valentine’s Day card containing a graphic message and a disturbing poem with explicit sexual content. The pair had even discussed future plans, including a trip to Venice after Young’s release.

Initial Denial and Subsequent Findings

Edney initially denied any relationship with Young and any knowledge of the phones during police interviews. However, letters and notes found in Young’s cell, along with the phone recordings, revealed the extent of their illicit connection. It was also revealed that Young had previously been involved with another prison officer, which initially drew Edney’s attention.

Sentencing and Judge's Remarks

Judge James Patrick emphasized the importance of maintaining professional boundaries within the prison system and highlighted Edney’s awareness of this responsibility. He noted her deliberate deception, using disguised phone numbers and false identities to continue the relationship.

While acknowledging no evidence of a physical relationship, the judge characterized the connection as highly sexual. Despite a plea for a suspended sentence, Judge Patrick determined that immediate custody was necessary.

Statement from Law Enforcement

Detective Sergeant Will Martel of the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit stated that such corruption within prisons would not be tolerated and that ongoing efforts would be made to identify and address misconduct.