Prison Officer's Downfall: Prayer Room Rendezvous and Drug-Laced Letters
A 23-year-old prison officer broke down in tears after a court found her guilty of a series of shocking offences, including a sexual encounter with an inmate inside a prison's prayer room. Isabelle Dale now faces the prospect of spending years in prison herself after her illicit activities at HMP Coldingley in Surrey were uncovered.
The Four-Minute Prayer Room Encounter
The court heard how Dale orchestrated a brief but illicit meeting with convicted robber Shahid Sharif, 33, in the jail's worship area. Two other inmates were strategically positioned as lookouts while the pair were inside together for approximately four minutes. Staff witnessed the prison officer emerging from the room, hastily adjusting her uniform belt as Sharif followed close behind.
Dale's obsession with Sharif extended far beyond this single encounter. She had permanently inked his nickname, 'Sneaks', on the back of her neck and had hung a framed photograph of them together above her bed. In a telling display of her allegiances, she even referred to herself as 'Miss Sneaky' in correspondence.
Double Life and Drug-Spiked Correspondence
Investigators discovered that Dale's inappropriate relationships weren't limited to Sharif. She was simultaneously involved with a second prisoner, 28-year-old Connor Money, conducting sexual relationships with both inmates at the same time.
Perhaps even more seriously, the court was presented with evidence that Dale had sent love letters to Sharif that were laced with drugs. This dangerous act represented a severe breach of prison security and contributed significantly to the serious nature of the charges against her.
The emotional weight of the proceedings overwhelmed Dale as the reality of her situation became clear. She sobbed openly when the judge outlined the likely custodial sentence she would receive for her actions, which represent one of the most serious breaches of trust within the prison service.
