In a shocking revelation at court, it was disclosed that a prison officer was involved in a sexual act with an inmate inside a prayer room while two other inmates stood guard.
Isabelle Dale, aged 23, is facing allegations of engaging in a sexual encounter with a convicted robber named Shahid Sharif, who was serving a twelve-year sentence at HMP Coldingley in Surrey. Prosecutors claim that Dale collaborated with Sharif and others to smuggle envelopes containing synthetic cannabis, referred to as “spice,” into HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent after he was transferred there.
Dale, who denies the accusations against her, appeared in Southwark Crown Court today for the commencement of a trial anticipated to span two weeks.
Allegedly, Dale managed Sharif’s drug-dealing Snapchat account and was responsible for obtaining synthetic cannabis from his associate, Lilea Sallis, in Brighton. Subsequently, authorities discovered drug-smuggling tools in Dale’s vehicle, along with an engagement ring purportedly gifted by Sharif. Sallis also attended court proceedings alongside Dale.
Launching the case, prosecutor Kieran Brand stated: “This case revolves around allegations of prison corruption and the illicit introduction of drugs and phones into the prison environment. At the relevant time, the primary defendant, Isabelle Dale, was employed as a prison officer at HMP Coldingley.
“The prosecution’s argument is that she engaged in a romantic relationship with an inmate named Shahid Sharif, who was incarcerated at HMP Coldingley while Dale was on duty. Their intimate bond led to Dale’s agreement to assist him in smuggling contraband items, including the illegal substance ‘spice,’ into the prison.
“The supply of spice was coordinated by the second defendant, Lilea Sallis, an associate of Mr. Sharif. Furthermore, it is alleged that Dale had a romantic involvement with at least one other prisoner.”
Jurors were informed that Dale joined the prison service in September 2021 and was briefed on the standard ‘Counter Corruption and Reporting Wrongdoing Policy framework.’
Mr. Brand mentioned: “On 19th July 2022, Miss Dale and Mr. Sharif were observed entering the multi-faith room within the prison together. They remained inside for four minutes while two inmates appeared to keep watch.
“Upon exiting, they walked back towards the wing, with Dale adjusting her belt area on the right side of her hip. Notably, the multi-faith room lacked CCTV coverage, leading the prosecution to believe that the pair engaged in some form of sexual activity there.”
Following the alleged incident, investigators discovered a sexually explicit message from Sharif on Dale’s phone.
Mr. Brand disclosed that Dale visited Sharif on three separate occasions between September and October 2022 at HMP Swaleside. “CCTV footage from the social