A prison watchdog leader was found to have engaged in inappropriate relationships with three inmates and had custom cushions featuring the face of a convicted murderer. Helen Spree, aged 63, was involved in smuggling drugs and phones into HMP Liverpool, where she served as the chair of the prison’s Independent Monitoring Board (IMB).
Describing herself as the “prison version of Deliveroo,” Spree committed these offenses over a 20-month period until her arrest in August 2021. Prior to her involvement in the prison system, she had a successful career as a sales director for a multinational company and later transitioned to volunteering with the IMB to monitor prisoner conditions.
As the chairwoman of HMP Liverpool’s IMB, Spree had unrestricted access within the prison and was given her own set of keys. She engaged in sexually explicit conversations with three inmates, including Dylan Westall, Thomas Porterfield, and another unnamed individual, exchanging inappropriate messages and even having pillow cushion covers with Westall’s face at her residence.
The investigation revealed Spree’s involvement in requests for cannabis and contraband from the prisoners through her phone messages. Spree admitted guilt to misconduct in a public office, conspiracy to supply cannabis, and conspiracy to convey prohibited items into the prison. Her defense lawyer highlighted her troubled personal life and mental state, emphasizing that her actions were driven by low self-esteem and a susceptibility to flattery.
The sentencing for Spree and her co-defendants, including the inmates involved, is scheduled for Tuesday. Dylan Westall, Porterfield, and the third inmate have also pleaded guilty to the charges related to supplying cannabis and prohibited items into the prison. Additionally, Westall’s younger brother, Michael, is facing sentencing for his involvement in the smuggling operation facilitated by Spree.