A corrupt prison official has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison for smuggling cannabis to a convicted killer. 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 with the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), which examines prisoner conditions and oversees their treatment. She became chairwoman of HMP Liverpool's IMB in January 2021.
Following her arrest in August 2021, a raid on her residence uncovered two specially-made cushions bearing Westall's image, which also featured a firearm, Liverpool Crown Court was told. The discovery was reported by the Daily Star.
Details of the Improper Relationship
During the search, officers also observed a tattoo on Spree's chest depicting a bumblebee clutching a love heart, with the word "Masterpiece" below. Spree claimed it was a pet name used by a friend, but the tattoo matched images and descriptions found in messages exchanged between her and Westall.
A gratitude card from Westall was also found, which stated: "You Master Piece. Hugs and Kisses, Dylan xxxxx." Spree, a mother of two, exchanged explicit messages with two other prisoners at HMP Liverpool over a 20-month period, during which she smuggled cannabis, mobile phones, SIM cards, and phone chargers into the prison.
Evidence and Investigation
Evidence of demands from Westall, Thomas Porterfield, 44, and a third prisoner, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were discovered in texts on Spree's device. A police investigation was launched following multiple prison intelligence reports highlighting concerns 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 to conspiracy to supply cannabis and convey prohibited items into prison.
Westall received a 12-month sentence to be served 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 admitting 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.
Michael Westall joined the trafficking ring when his brother brought him into contact with Spree, with evidence of meetings at Spree's residence.
