A prison officer who engaged in a sexual relationship with an inmate inside a jail's prayer room and later conspired to smuggle synthetic cannabis into prison is facing years behind bars.
A Forbidden Relationship Behind Bars
Isabelle Dale, 23, was caught having a sexual encounter with convicted robber Shahid Sharif, 33, in the multi-faith worship area at HMP Coldingley. The incident occurred on 19 July 2022 while two other inmates acted as lookouts.
Prosecutors described how Dale and Sharif emerged from the prayer room after just four minutes, with the prison officer seen hastily readjusting her belt. The room was notably not covered by CCTV cameras.
Following their encounter, Sharif sent Dale a message stating: 'It was good sharing dat love today ur p*s ammaazzzeeeingggggg.'
Evidence of Obsession and Further Offences
The court heard extensive evidence of Dale's obsession with Sharif, who was three years into a 12-year sentence for robbery. She had his nickname, 'Sneaks', tattooed behind her neck and referred to herself as 'Miss Sneaky'. A framed picture of the couple hung above her bed.
In love letters to Sharif, Dale wrote that she 'worship[ped] the ground' he walked on and would 'take a bullet' for him. She promised to be waiting when he was released, describing their imagined future together stepping into a Lamborghini.
Police investigations also revealed Dale had at least one sexual encounter with a second inmate, Connor Money, 28, who was serving nine years for killing his best friend during a 147mph police chase in Kent.
Drug Smuggling Operation Uncovered
After the prayer room incident, Sharif was transferred to HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey, where Dale visited him three times between September and October 2022. During these visits, she smuggled love letters laced with synthetic cannabis, commonly known as 'Spice'.
The disgraced officer even purchased her own £3,000 car and operated Sharif's drug-dealing Snapchat account through an associate, Lilea Sallis, 27. Phone conversations revealed Sharif instructing Dale on how to prepare drug-soaked envelopes, warning they 'can't look bait' and needed to appear 'diligent'.
When arrested on 1 November 2022, police found equipment in Dale's car boot for smuggling Spice, including carbon paper used to prevent detection by prison X-ray machines.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Southwark Crown Court, Dale broke down in tears after being found guilty of two counts of misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to convey a 'List A' prohibited article into prison.
Despite her claims that Sharif had threatened and degraded her, telling her she 'wasn't good enough for him', the evidence showed her active participation in the relationship and smuggling operations.
Judge Chris Hehir granted both Dale and Sallis unconditional bail but warned: 'You have been convicted of very grave offences indeed. I can see no alternative to a substantial custodial sentence.' Sentencing is scheduled for January.
