A court has heard that a prison officer allegedly engaged in a sexual act with an inmate inside a prayer room while two other inmates acted as lookouts. Isabelle Dale, 23, is accused of the incident involving convicted robber Shahid Sharif at HMP Coldingley in Surrey. Prosecutors claim that Dale later conspired with Sharif and others to smuggle envelopes containing synthetic cannabis, commonly known as “spice,” into HMP Swaleside in Kent after his transfer.
Denying the charges against her, Dale appeared in Southwark Crown Court for the commencement of a trial expected to span two weeks. Allegations suggest that Dale managed Sharif’s drug-dealing Snapchat account and was responsible for obtaining synthetic cannabis from his associate, Lilea Sallis, in Brighton. Authorities discovered drug-smuggling equipment in Dale’s vehicle, along with an engagement ring reportedly gifted by Sharif. Sallis also stood trial alongside Dale.
Prosecutor Kieran Brand stated that the case revolves around allegations of prison corruption and drug and phone smuggling. Dale, a serving prison officer at HMP Coldingley, is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with inmate Shahid Sharif, leading to their collaboration in smuggling contraband, including ‘spice,’ into the prison. The spice was allegedly supplied by Lilea Sallis, an associate of Sharif. Additionally, Dale is alleged to have had a sexual relationship with another prisoner.
Jurors learned that Dale joined the prison service in September 2021 and was briefed on the standard ‘Counter Corruption and Reporting Wrongdoing Policy framework.’ Brand detailed an incident on July 19, 2022, where Dale and Sharif entered a multi-faith room within the prison, accompanied by two inmates acting as lookouts. After a few minutes, they emerged, with Dale seen adjusting her clothing, indicating potential sexual activity inside the room.
Following the alleged encounter, investigators found a sexually explicit message from Sharif on Dale’s phone. Brand highlighted Dale’s subsequent visits to Sharif in HMP Swaleside and her communication with him via the ’email a prisoner system,’ including monetary transactions while she was a prison officer. Dale’s arrest led to the discovery of contraband concealment materials in her car and a framed canvas of the couple in her home.
Brand mentioned that a search of Sharif’s cell post-Dale’s arrest uncovered love letters and provocative photos from Dale. Phone data from Dale’s device indicated a physical relationship with another inmate, Connor Money, at HMP Coldingley. Dale’s communications with prisoners using illicit mobile phones were also revealed on her seized handset.
Sharif allegedly instructed Dale on smuggling spice-soaked envelopes into the prison for sale, emphasizing precautions to avoid detection. Dale, from Portsmouth, denies charges of misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to convey a prohibited article into prison. Sallis, from East Sussex, denies conspiracy to convey a prohibited article into prison. The trial is ongoing.