Dances With Wolves actor jailed for life for sexual assaults against indigenous women and girls

29th April, 2026 | News

A former prison officer, Livvy Edney, has been jailed for six months after engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate she was assigned to supervise.

Edney, 44, became involved with Paul Young while working at HMP Channings Wood. Their relationship, which began in November 2022, later continued after the inmate was transferred to HMP The Verne.

To maintain contact, Edney reportedly used unregistered mobile phones, adopted a false identity, and posed as one of Young’s relatives. Their communication, including expressions of affection and future plans, was monitored by prison authorities.

A search uncovered letters and a Valentine’s card containing explicit content. Although there was no evidence of a physical relationship, the court described the connection as “highly sexual.”

Edney denied the relationship during police questioning but later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. Sentencing her at Exeter Crown Court, Judge James Patrick emphasised the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, noting she had knowingly breached them.

In a separate case, former actor Nathan Chasing Horse has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United States after being found guilty of sexually abusing Indigenous women and girls over nearly two decades.

The 49-year-old, known for his role in Dances With Wolves, was convicted in Nevada on multiple charges linked to offences committed between 2003 and 2020.

Prosecutors said he exploited his status as a spiritual leader to manipulate victims, many of whom sought guidance or healing. Victims testified that he used coercion and psychological control, sometimes invoking spiritual threats to maintain silence.

Despite maintaining his innocence, the court found overwhelming evidence against him. Delivering judgment, Judge Jessica Peterson condemned his actions, stating he had abused trust for personal gain.

Victim impact statements highlighted long-term emotional harm, with some describing how the abuse affected their childhood and life opportunities.

Chasing Horse, who was arrested in 2023, will be eligible for parole after serving 37 years.