A corrupt prison watchdog chair who operated a drugs 'Deliveroo for prisoners', a fake Uber driver who kidnapped a woman outside Anfield Stadium, and a paedophile elf were among 41 Merseyside criminals jailed in June. The list also includes a café owner who kissed then stabbed his dad, a hoaxer who threatened to massacre pupils at three schools, and a convicted paedophile pictured dressed as an elf in Santa's grotto.
Corrupt Prison Watchdog Jailed
Helen Spree, 63, chair of HMP Liverpool's watchdog, was jailed for five years and three months after operating a drug smuggling operation described as a 'Deliveroo for prisoners'. She engaged in inappropriate relationships with three inmates, exchanging sexualised messages with killer Dylan Westall, who received an additional year in jail. Spree pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office.
Fake Uber Driver Kidnapped Woman
Damian Watson, 36, posed as an Uber driver outside Anfield Stadium, kidnapped a woman, locked the doors, and demanded she flash her breasts. He was jailed for five-and-a-half years after admitting kidnap and causing sexual activity without consent.
Paedophile Elf and Other Offenders
John Smith, 48, a former police officer and convicted paedophile, was jailed for 20 months for breaching a sexual harm prevention order by volunteering as an elf in Santa's grotto at a Christmas party. Other notable cases include:
- Dylan Chadwick, 24, jailed 12 years for manslaughter of Denva Smith in Exmouth.
- Darren Rigby, 21, jailed 28 months for threatening to massacre pupils at three all-girls schools.
- Andrew Roberts, 37, jailed five-and-a-half years for stabbing his father after kissing him.
- Kwame Yeboah, 30, a British Airways pilot, jailed eight years and four months for raping a 12-year-old girl he groomed online.
Drug Dealers and Violent Offenders
Warren Childs, 45, a taxi driver, was jailed 28 months for possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Jamie Horgan, 31, used the pseudonym 'Scouse Kenny' to deal drugs in the Scottish Highlands and was jailed three years. Philip Nicholls, 36, chased his girlfriend down a dual carriageway before battering her and was jailed four years.
According to Merseyside Police, the convictions reflect a wide range of serious offences, including sexual assault, robbery, arson, and fraud. The total number of defendants jailed in June is 41, with sentences ranging from six months to life imprisonment.
