Full Breakdown
Prison Watchdog Chair Convicted of Smuggling Contraband and Inmate Relations at HMP Liverpool
6/2/2026, 8:03:30 AM
Misconduct and Conviction
Helen Spree, 63, former chair of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Liverpool, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, conspiracy to supply cannabis and to convey prohibited items into prison. She exchanged sexually explicit messages with three inmates and facilitated delivery of cannabis, mobile phones and other banned items over a 20-month period that ended with her arrest in August 2021.
Oversight Role and Access
The IMB is an independent body that inspects prison conditions and reports on compliance with legal standards. As chair, Spree was granted unrestricted movement across the prison estate and a personal set of keys, privileges that enabled the alleged contraband deliveries.
Involved Parties
The inmates were Dylan Westall, convicted of manslaughter in the 2017 killing of James Meadows; Thomas Porterfield, serving a 13-year term for firearm conspiracy; and an unnamed third inmate. Prosecutor Andrew Scott and defense counsel Arthur Gibson represented the Crown and Spree respectively; Judge Neil Flewitt KC presided.
Timeline
- 2017: James Meadows is shot dead; Westall later convicted of manslaughter, and Spree’s contacts with inmates begin.
- Early 2020 – August 2021: Smuggling operation active; frequent deliveries of cannabis, phones and other items.
- August 2021: Police arrest Spree after seizing her phone; 2023 hearing results in guilty pleas and pending sentencing.
Data Summary
The 20-month operation involved three inmates, smuggled cannabis, mobile phones and other prohibited items, and yielded two pillow covers at Spree’s home bearing Westall’s likeness.
Implications
The case shows how unrestricted access for a senior monitor can undermine prison security, prompting scrutiny of background checks, supervision of IMB members and key-holding policies.
Official Responses
Prosecutor Andrew Scott said the deliveries were so frequent that Spree was “the prison version of Deliveroo.” Defense counsel Arthur Gibson described her conduct as an aberration driven by personal trauma and assured the court she would not reoffend.
Criticism
Observers argue that the ease of Spree’s access reveals inadequate safeguards for monitoring board members.
Conflicting Reports
The third inmate’s identity remains undisclosed, limiting a full accounting. Full contraband details beyond cannabis and phones have not been released, and sentencing is pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “So frequent were the deliveries that Ms Spree described herself as the prison version of Deliveroo.” — Andrew Scott, Prosecutor
- “This was not criminality borne out of financial inducement.” — Andrew Scott, Prosecutor
- “Much of what she said in messages was bravado in order to attract more flattery and praise.” — Andrew Scott, Prosecutor
- “Your honour can be confident that she will never become involved in criminal activity again.” — Arthur Gibson, Defense Counsel
Next Steps
Spree and four co-defendants will be sentenced next Tuesday, and the case is expected to trigger reviews of IMB access protocols.
