A 44-year-old prison officer at HMP Channings Wood in Devon faces six months behind bars after pursuing a romantic relationship with a convicted sex offender she supervised. Livvy Edney from Grenville Avenue, Torquay, sent the inmate a Valentine’s card promising to “make him scream” using a sex toy.
The Inappropriate Relationship
Edney professed her love repeatedly to Paul Young, who serves a Public Protection sentence for a serious sexual offense. In return, Young shared poetry, dreamed of whisking her to Venice, and asked for photos of her breasts.
Prison authorities grew suspicious and transferred Young to HMP The Verne in 2023. Despite the move, Edney and Young maintained contact via three-way calls with his mother, posing as his old friend “Jules.”
Monitored recordings captured the pair declaring love, planning dates post-release, discussing swapped clothing to capture each other’s scent, and explicit sexual references including synchronized masturbation.
Prosecutor Tom Bradnock noted the calls clearly showed an inappropriate bond. “They declared their love for each other,” he said. “Paul Young would frequently read out poems he’d written for the defendant.”
Bradnock added that while no physical relationship was proven from transcripts, sexual activity remained within their plans.
Discovery and Sentencing
The final call occurred on February 11, 2023, leading to Edney’s arrest weeks later. Her phone revealed searches on Young and IPP sentences. A cell search uncovered the Valentine’s card with penguins on the front and the explicit message inside: “Roses are red, violets are blue, I’ll make you scream.”
Edney admitted misconduct in public office at Exeter Crown Court. Judge James Patrick highlighted her limited experience and personal challenges like ADHD but stressed she knew the rules. “There is no evidence of [a physical relationship] but plainly your relationship was highly sexual even if not physical,” the judge stated.
The judge emphasized: “Offences of this sort risk undermining public trust in the system.”
Official Response
Detective Sergeant Will Martel of the SWROCU commented: “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.”
