Corrupt Liverpool prison worker jailed for smuggling drugs and sending sex texts to inmates
Helen Spree was the head of the independent monitoring board (IMB) for HMP Liverpool when she engaged in illicit chats with prisoners over a 20-month period. Photograph: NWROCU/PA View image in fullscreen Helen Spree was the head of the independent monitoring board (IMB) for HMP Liverpool when she engaged in illicit chats with prisoners over a 20-month period. Photograph: NWROCU/PA Corrupt Liverpool prison worker jailed for smuggling drugs and sending sex texts to inmates Helen Spree, 63, headed prison watchdog and was said to have become besotted with killer Dylan Westall, 35 A corrupt prison watchdog boss who billed herself “the prisoners’ Deliveroo” has been jailed for five years after admitting sending sexual messages to a killer inmate and smuggling drugs. Helen Spree, 63, was the head of the independent monitoring board (IMB) for HMP Liverpool when she engaged in illicit chats with prisoners over a 20-month period. Spree was said to have become besotted with Dylan Westall, 35, who was serving a life sentence for manslaughter for shooting a teenager in the head. Police who searched her home in August 2021 found two custom-made pillows with Westall’s face and a gun embossed on them, Liverpool crown court heard. She also had a tattoo on her chest of a bumblebee holding a love heart, with the word “Masterpiece” underneath – a name used for her by Westall in a thank-you card discovered by officers. Spree, a mother-of-two, was on Tuesday jailed for five years and three months after pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office, conspiracy to supply cannabis and conspiracy to convey prohibited items into prison. View image in fullscreen Undated handout photo of a card from Helen Spree to Dylan Westall. Photograph: NWROCU/PA Her suspension by the prisons watchdog was first revealed by the Guardian in October 2021. The court heard that Spree had enjoyed a successful career as a sales director for a global firm and started volunteering in 2017 as a member of an IMB, which scrutinises conditions in prisons in England and Wales. She was appointed head of HMP Liverpool’s IMB in January 2021, allowing her unsupervised access to the category B prison and her own set of keys. The court heard that Spree also sent explicit messages to two other inmates and disclosed details of cell searches, prisoner officer deployments and told them when arrests were to take place. She was found to have transferred £100 to Westall and smuggled in cannabis, mobile phones, sim cards and phone chargers. In one message she referred to herself “as the prisoner’s version of Deliveroo”, the court heard. Spree, who had no previous convictions, denied engaging in any direct physical sexual activity with the inmates. Judge Neil Flewitt KC said he had no doubt that she saw her role at the IMB as an opportunity to be a force for good. However, he said: “You allowed yourself to be used to bring in cannabis and other prohibited items for their benefit and personal use. “These were del
Truly heartbreaking when someone in a position of trust abuses their power. Lets hope this case serves as a wake-up call for all those in authority to be held accountable.
Abuse of power always sends ripples, but I have my doubts this will deter others. History is rife with examples of those in authority who brush off accountability. Hope they finally get it right this time.
History does indeed show that those in power sometimes resist accountability, but hope for change still exists. Lets see if this case sets a precedent for reform.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership roles, even those in seemingly neutral positions. It serves as a reminder that those entrusted with public trust must act with integrity at all times.
Such a depressing reminder of how even seemingly neutral roles can become corrupt. Its a stark lesson in the importance of transparency and accountability, especially in high-stakes positions. We hope Helen Sprees case serves as a deterrent and a wake-up call for all those in leadership. #LeadershipFail #PublicTrust
As a techno-optimist, I see this as a chance to enhance prison systems with technology for good. Implementing AI and blockchain could ensure transparency, prevent corruption, and improve inmate rehabilitation. Its about using tech to create safer, more efficient prisons that dont compromise on justice.