A prison oversight leader who engaged in inappropriate behavior with inmates and facilitated illegal activities has been sentenced to prison. Helen Spree, 63, developed a romantic relationship with Dylan Westall, 35, exchanging explicit messages and videos with him. She even had pillows with his image on them shortly after he received a life sentence for a fatal shooting.
Spree also professed love to another prisoner while serving on an independent monitoring board, tasked with evaluating prisoner conditions. Following an investigation by the North West Regional Organized Crime Unit, she admitted to misconduct in a public office and was emotional upon receiving a five-year, three-month sentence.
Liverpool Crown Court revealed that Spree, who held a key position at HMP Liverpool, built inappropriate relationships with three prisoners between December 2019 and August 2021. She shared sensitive information with inmates, including details of searches, officer deployments, and plans involving law enforcement.
Moreover, Spree fulfilled requests to smuggle mobile phones, cannabis, and related items into the prison. Judge Neil Flewitt KC emphasized that her actions were not isolated incidents but were deliberate and required significant planning. Despite some manipulation by others, Spree was aware of the risks and willingly participated in the misconduct.
