Prison Officer Sentenced for Inappropriate Relationships and Drug Smuggling Plot
A former prison officer who engaged in sexual activity with an inmate while fellow prisoners acted as lookouts has been handed a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Isabelle Dale, aged 23, was found guilty of serious misconduct following her illicit relationships with two inmates at HMP Coldingley in Surrey.
Incident in Multi-Faith Room
The court heard that Dale entered a multi-faith room with inmate Shahid Sharif, a 33-year-old convicted robber, on July 19, 2022. They remained inside for approximately four minutes while two other inmates positioned themselves outside, apparently acting as guards. Prosecutors stated that the room, which lacked CCTV coverage, was used for sexual purposes.
Following the encounter, Sharif sent Dale a text message containing explicit praise. During a subsequent search of his cell, officers discovered numerous love letters and provocative photographs of Dale, some of which were contaminated with synthetic cannabis, commonly known as Spice.
Second Relationship and Smuggling Operation
Dale was also involved in a sexual relationship with another inmate, Connor Money, aged 28, who was serving a nine-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving. Investigations revealed that Dale had equipment in her vehicle intended for smuggling Spice into the prison, along with carbon paper to evade detection by X-ray machines.
She was convicted in November on two counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of conspiracy to convey a prohibited "List A" article into prison. The trial at Southwark Crown Court detailed the extent of her actions and the evidence gathered against her.
Personal Connections and Tattoos
Dale had Sharif's nickname, 'Sneaks', tattooed on the back of her neck and kept a framed photograph of the couple above her bed. In messages to Sharif, she expressed pride in being known as his partner and mentioned wearing a promise ring he instructed her to purchase for £3,000 as a symbol of loyalty.
During proceedings, Dale claimed she struggled to integrate with colleagues who mocked her tattoos and stated she was unaware that possessing a mobile phone in prison was illegal. She admitted to regular "phone sex" with Sharif but denied physical involvement initially.
Arrest and Sentencing
Dale was arrested on November 1, 2022, while visiting Sharif at Swaleside Prison, where he had been transferred after their relationship was uncovered. Judge Chris Hehir warned her that she had committed very grave offences and should prepare for imprisonment. The case highlights serious breaches of trust and security within the prison system.
