A prison officer allegedly involved in sexual activity with an inmate in a prayer room is facing accusations of having a romantic relationship with a second prisoner, a court revealed.
Isabelle Dale, 23, is accused of being romantically involved with convicted robber Shahid Sharif at Surrey’s HMP Coldingley while two other inmates stood watch outside. During their interaction, Dale and Sharif left the prayer room together, and witnesses observed Dale adjusting her clothing afterwards, as mentioned in court proceedings at Southwark Crown Court.
Prosecutor Kieran Brand presented evidence from Dale’s phone, including a message from Sharif praising their intimate encounter. Additionally, recovered text messages indicated a sexual relationship with another prisoner named Connor Money, referred to as “Con” in the messages.
The court also heard details of text conversations between Dale and Money, where they discussed intimate matters. The exchange included Money expressing desire for physical contact and Dale responding flirtatiously.
Further evidence from Dale’s phone revealed communication with two additional prisoners through unauthorized mobile devices, as well as interactions with Sharif’s relatives. These exchanges occurred while Dale was employed as a prison officer.
Dale faces allegations of involvement in smuggling synthetic cannabis into HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey with Sharif and others. She reportedly managed Sharif’s drug-dealing operations through Snapchat and collected illegal substances from an associate in Brighton. Authorities discovered drug-related items in Dale’s vehicle, along with an engagement ring allegedly gifted by Sharif.
During the trial, it was mentioned that Dale joined the prison service in September 2021 and was briefed on the ‘Counter Corruption and Reporting Wrongdoing Policy framework’.
On a specific date in July 2022, Dale and Sharif were observed entering a multi-faith room in the prison together, where they spent a few minutes before returning to the wing. The prosecution argued that their actions in the room indicated a sexual encounter, as there was no CCTV coverage in that area.
Following Dale’s arrest, investigators found explicit messages from Sharif on her phone, along with evidence of multiple visits to Sharif in prison. The court was informed that Dale sent flirty images to Sharif using the prison email system and transferred money to him while working as a prison officer.
Upon searching Dale’s car after her arrest, authorities discovered items used to conceal contraband from prison security checks. Additionally, a framed canvas depicting the couple was found in Dale’s residence.
Prosecutors also revealed that love letters and suggestive photographs from Dale were found in Sharif’s cell after Dale’s removal from HMP Swaleside.
Dale, from Portsmouth, has pleaded not guilty to charges of misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to convey prohibited items into the prison. Another individual, Lilea Sallis from East Sussex, also denies involvement in the conspiracy.
The trial is ongoing.