A corrupt prison official who smuggled cannabis to a killer has been jailed for five years and three months. Helen Spree, 63, developed an improper relationship with Dylan Westall, 35, who is serving a life sentence for manslaughter.
Background of the case
Spree, a former businesswoman with a successful career as a sales director, began volunteer work in 2017 as part of an Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), which examines prisoner conditions and oversees their treatment. She was subsequently made chairwoman of HMP Liverpool's IMB in January 2021.
Evidence found at her home
A raid on her residence following her arrest in August 2021 uncovered two specially-made cushions bearing Westall's image, which also featured a firearm, Liverpool Crown Court was told. During the search, officers also observed she had a tattoo on her chest depicting a bumblebee clutching a love heart, with the word "Masterpiece" below. Spree claimed it was a pet name her friend used for her, but the tattoo subsequently matched images and descriptions discovered in messages traded between her and Westall.
A gratitude card from Westall was also found which stated: "You Master Piece. Hugs and Kisses, Dylan xxxxx."
Smuggling operation
Mother-of-two Spree exchanged explicit messages with two other prisoners at HMP Liverpool during a 20-month period which resulted in her smuggling in the Class B substance, alongside mobile phones, Sim cards and phone chargers. Evidence of the demands from Westall, Thomas Porterfield, 44, and a third prisoner, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were discovered in texts on her device.
A police probe was initiated following multiple prison intelligence reports highlighting worries about Spree's contact with the three inmates.
Prosecutor Andrew Scott said: "So frequent were the deliveries that Ms Spree described herself as the prisoners' version of Deliveroo."
Sentences
Spree, of Hale Bank Avenue, Huyton, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to misconduct in a public office, conspiracy to supply cannabis and conspiracy to convey prohibited items into prison. Westall and Porterfield, of Greenwich Avenue, Widnes, also pleaded guilty at earlier hearings to conspiracy to supply cannabis and convey prohibited items into prison.
Westall received a 12-month sentence which he will serve in addition to his minimum life term, while Porterfield received 22 months in custody, suspended for 18 months. The third inmate was jailed for two years and 10 months after he admitted conspiracy to convey prohibited items, including cannabis, into prison. Westall's brother Michael Westall, 28, received a 20-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis and smuggle banned items into prison.
He joined the trafficking ring when Dylan Westall brought him into contact with Spree, with proof of the duo rendezvous at Spree's residence.
