Jail Watchdog Chair Abused Position for Inmate Lovers
The former chair of a prison watchdog has admitted to engaging in inappropriate relationships with three inmates and smuggling illicit items into a correctional facility. Helen Spree, 63, held a position of trust responsible for overseeing the humane treatment of prisoners at Walton jail in Liverpool.
In her voluntary role as head of the independent monitoring board, Spree had access to keys and the ability to visit inmates at any time. However, evidence presented in court indicates she exploited this authority to ferry in a significant quantity of contraband, even referring to herself as ‘the prison version of Deliveroo’.
Inappropriate Relationships and Smuggled Items
Court proceedings revealed that Spree exchanged explicit messages and images with inmates and shared sensitive operational information, including details concerning a convicted killer. She became romantically involved with Thomas Porterfield, 44, Dylan Westall, 35, and a third individual whose identity is protected for legal reasons.
Dylan Westall, 35, was serving a life sentence for his role in the 2017 manslaughter of 17-year-old James Meadows. Reports indicate that Spree and the unnamed inmate later declared their love for one another.
Communication and Contraband Deliveries
Between December 2019 and August 2021, Spree communicated with the men through phone calls, FaceTimes, and messages. These communications included personal updates, sexually explicit content, and details about prison searches and disciplinary matters involving prison officers, some of which had been referred to law enforcement.
Messages also contained criticisms of the justice system and requests for Spree to bring mobile phones and cannabis into the prison. The frequency of these deliveries led Spree to adopt the moniker ‘the prison version of Deliveroo’.
Investigation and Charges
An investigation was initiated following 78 reports detailing Spree’s ‘over-familiarity’ with certain prisoners, inappropriate contact, and the conveyance of prohibited items into the jail. She was apprehended in August 2021 during a prison visit, and her personal diary and mobile phone were confiscated.
A forensic examination of her phone confirmed contact with Porterfield, Westall, and another inmate. A search of her residence uncovered pillows bearing Westall’s image.
Assistance from Inmate’s Brother
Evidence suggests that Spree, with the assistance of Dylan Westall’s brother, Michael Westall, 28, smuggled mobile phones, chargers, tobacco, and cigarette papers to the three inmates. Spree also made two £100 deposits into Dylan Westall’s prison account.
During her relationship with the third inmate, they engaged in sexually explicit conversations before professing their love. Spree, from Roby, Merseyside, has pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office, six counts of conspiracy to convey prohibited items (cannabis and mobile phones) into a prison, and three charges of conspiracy to supply cannabis.
Plea Bargains and Sentencing
Porterfield, from Widnes, has admitted to conspiracy to convey prohibited items, conspiracy to supply cannabis, and unauthorized possession of a mobile phone. Dylan Westall, who is serving a minimum of 22 years, previously pleaded guilty to similar charges related to conveying items, supplying cannabis, and unauthorized phone possession.
Michael Westall, of Fazakerley, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to six counts of conspiracy to convey prohibited items and conspiracy to supply cannabis. The third inmate was found guilty of conspiracy to convey prohibited items following a trial. Sentencing for all involved is scheduled for Tuesday.
Role of Independent Monitoring Boards
Independent monitoring boards (IMBs) operate in every prison across England and Wales. Staffed by volunteers, these boards collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to ensure inmates are treated fairly, justly, and humanely, and to assess programs designed for their release.
IMB members have unrestricted access to prisons and inmates after completing a year-long induction and security training. While subject to vetting similar to prison staff, reference checks are not a requirement, according to the Ministry of Justice. Spree joined HMP Liverpool’s IMB in 2017 and became its chair in early 2021.
