Livvy Edney, 44, a prison officer at HMP Channings Wood in Devon, was sentenced to six months imprisonment after secretly forming a relationship with Paul Young, an inmate convicted of rape and serving a sentence for assault by penetration.
The relationship began in November 2022 when Edney became Young’s supervisor, prompting concerns among prison officials and triggering a police and prison misconduct investigation.
Suspicious of the relationship, prison authorities transferred Young to another facility in January 2023. Despite this, Edney continued to maintain covert contact using two pay-as-you-go mobile phones registered under false names and a relative’s address.
Recorded phone calls between Edney and Young revealed declarations of love, poetry readings, and plans for a holiday to Venice following Young’s release from prison.
Edney was arrested at her home in Torquay in March 2023. During police interviews, she denied having a relationship with Young or knowledge of the mobile phones. However, searches of Young’s prison cell uncovered letters, notes, and a sexually explicit Valentine’s card from Edney, confirming their illicit contact.
Detective Sergeant Will Martel from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit said: “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.”
At Exeter Crown Court, Edney pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. Her defence highlighted personal struggles, including a traumatic childhood and a previous abusive marriage.
Judge James Patrick sentenced Edney to six months imprisonment, emphasising her awareness of professional boundaries. He stated: “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 necessary to uphold the integrity of the prison service.
Originally published by UKNIP.
