A prison oversight leader involved in illicit activities with inmates, including exchanging explicit messages and smuggling drugs, has been sentenced to five years and three months in jail. Helen Spree, 63, engaged in a sexual relationship with Dylan Westall, 35, a convicted killer, sending explicit messages and videos. She was found in possession of pillows with his image and confessed her love to another prisoner.
Spree, a former businesswoman, joined an independent monitoring board in 2017 to oversee prisoner conditions and treatment. However, she pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office after an investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Liverpool Crown Court revealed that Spree developed inappropriate relationships with three inmates at HMP Liverpool between December 2019 and August 2021. She shared sensitive information with prisoners, including details of searches, officer deployment, and upcoming police actions. Spree also facilitated the smuggling of mobile phones, cannabis, and other contraband into the prison.
Judge Neil Flewitt KC highlighted the extent of Spree’s offenses, describing them as deliberate and requiring sophisticated planning. He emphasized that Spree was aware of the risks and not coerced into her actions, likening her to a prison version of Deliveroo for inmates seeking prohibited items.