Prison Watchdog Chair Sentenced for Smuggling Drugs and Inappropriate Relationships with Inmates
Mum called herself 'Deliveroo for prisoners' and sent sexually messages to 3 inmates
Image: Dailystar Co Uk
Helen Spree, a 63-year-old former chair of HMP Liverpool's monitoring board, has pleaded guilty to misconduct and conspiracy charges after smuggling drugs into the prison and engaging in inappropriate relationships with inmates, including a convicted murderer. Her actions included sending sexually explicit messages and providing details about prison operations.
- 01Helen Spree served as chair of HMP Liverpool's independent monitoring board from January 2021 until her arrest in August 2021.
- 02She exchanged sexually explicit messages and provided inmates with sensitive information about prison operations.
- 03Spree smuggled contraband items, including cannabis and mobile phones, into the prison.
- 04One of the inmates, Dylan Westall, is serving a life sentence for the manslaughter of James Meadows.
- 05Sentencing for Spree and her co-defendants is scheduled for June 2.
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Helen Spree, aged 63, who held the position of chair of the independent monitoring board at HMP Liverpool, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including misconduct in public office and conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the prison. Spree, who began her role in April 2017, was found to have engaged in inappropriate relationships with three inmates, including Dylan Westall, a convicted murderer. The Liverpool Crown Court heard that Spree referred to herself as 'Deliveroo for prisoners' while smuggling contraband, which included cannabis and mobile phones. She communicated with inmates through various messaging platforms, sharing explicit content and sensitive information about prison operations. Her defense claimed that her actions stemmed from personal trauma and low self-esteem rather than financial gain. Alongside Spree, four co-defendants have also admitted to related charges, with sentencing set for June 2.
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The case highlights issues of prison integrity and the potential for corruption within the penal system.
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