A prison officer who wrote sexually explicit poetry for a sex offender inmate has been sentenced to six months in jail. Livvy Edney, 44, initiated a romantic relationship with prisoner Paul Young while employed at HMP Channings Wood in Devon.
Relationship Details
Edney started working at the prison in 2020 and became romantically involved with Young in November 2022 after being assigned as his supervisor. Suspicion arose, leading to Young's transfer to another prison in January 2023. Despite this, the couple continued their relationship using pay-as-you-go phones, with Edney registering a false name and providing a relative's address to authorities.
Exeter Crown Court heard recorded phone calls where the pair declared their love, with Young reading poetry and planning a trip to Venice after his release. A search of Young's cell uncovered a Valentine's card featuring two penguins and a sexually explicit message: 'Roses are red, violets are blue, I'll make you scream when I put my strap-on inside you. Love from your Valentine.'
Arrest and Sentencing
Edney, a mother of three, was arrested at her home in March 2023. She initially denied the relationship and knowledge of the mobile phones. Letters and notes were also found in Young's cell. Young had previously been involved with another officer.
Edney, of Grenville Avenue, Torquay, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. Judge James Patrick sentenced her to six months, emphasizing her awareness of maintaining boundaries. He noted that Young's prior relationship with an officer 'intrigued' Edney, and that his transfer 'should have served as a warning.'
Judge Patrick stated: 'You did so by pretending to be somebody else, you did so using disguised telephone numbers... you declared in those calls your love for one another, you read out poems, you discussed dating, you discussed meeting, there were multiple references to sexual behaviour.'
The judge acknowledged Edney ended the contact but noted she did so knowing of the transfer and suspicion. Defence lawyer Lee Brembridge urged a suspended sentence, citing Edney's remarriage, full-time job, and low risk of reoffending. He mentioned her 'degree of inexperience' and personal vulnerabilities from a traumatic childhood and an abusive marriage.
Judge Patrick concluded: 'I accept that there's no evidence that there was any physical relationship. But plainly, your relationship was highly sexual, even if it was not physical. In my judgment, and with great regret, I conclude that I must send you immediately to custody.'
Detective Sergeant Will Martel of the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit stated: '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.'
