A corrupt prison watchdog boss who called herself "the prisoners' Deliveroo" has been sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to sending sexual messages to a killer inmate and smuggling drugs into HMP Liverpool.
Background of the Case
Helen Spree, 63, served as the head of the independent monitoring board (IMB) for HMP Liverpool when she engaged in illicit communications with prisoners over a 20-month period. She became infatuated with Dylan Westall, 35, who is serving a life sentence for manslaughter after fatally shooting a teenager in the head.
During a search of her home in August 2021, police discovered two custom-made pillows featuring Westall's face and a gun embossed on them, as reported in Liverpool Crown Court. Additionally, Spree had a tattoo on her chest depicting a bumblebee holding a love heart, with the word "Masterpiece" underneath—a nickname Westall used for her in a thank-you card found by authorities.
Details of the Offences
Spree, a mother of two, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office, conspiracy to supply cannabis, and conspiracy to convey prohibited items into prison. She was sentenced on Tuesday to five years and three months in prison.
The court heard that Spree also sent explicit messages to two other inmates and disclosed sensitive information such as cell search schedules, officer deployments, and planned arrests. She transferred £100 to Westall and smuggled cannabis, mobile phones, SIM cards, and phone chargers into the prison. In one message, she referred to herself as "the prisoner's version of Deliveroo."
Despite her actions, Spree denied any direct physical sexual contact with the inmates. She had no prior criminal record.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Neil Flewitt KC acknowledged that Spree likely saw her role at the IMB as an opportunity to do good. However, he stated: "You allowed yourself to be used to bring in cannabis and other prohibited items for their benefit and personal use. These were deliberate offences which required a high level of planning and sophistication."
He noted that Spree was "to some extent manipulated" by the prisoners, who recognized her as someone they could exploit, despite her intelligence and senior position.
Defence Arguments
Spree's barrister, Arthur Gibson, argued that she had hidden a personal history of "abuse and trauma." He told the court that by 2017, Spree was "seriously damaged mentally by her dealings with men and towards them had very low self-esteem," making her susceptible to flattery and manipulation.
Gibson described the discovery of the pillows at her home as something "one would expect with a teenager's first love," illustrating her deep emotional involvement.
Co-defendant's Sentence
Dylan Westall received a 12-month sentence for conspiracy to smuggle drugs and other items into HMP Liverpool, to be served in addition to his existing 22-year life sentence imposed in 2019.
