A court has heard that a prison officer allegedly engaged in a sexual act with an inmate in a prayer room while two other inmates acted as lookouts. Isabelle Dale, 23, is facing charges related to 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, also known as “spice,” into HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent after his transfer.
Dale, who denies the accusations, appeared in Southwark Crown Court for the commencement of a trial anticipated to span two weeks. Allegations suggest that Dale managed Sharif’s drug-dealing Snapchat account and coordinated the collection of synthetic cannabis from Lilea Sallis in Brighton. Police reportedly discovered drug-smuggling materials in Dale’s vehicle, along with an engagement ring allegedly gifted by Sharif. Sallis, who is associated with Sharif, also appeared in court alongside Dale.
The prosecution, led by Kieran Brand, detailed the case involving prison corruption and drug and phone smuggling. Dale, a former prison officer at HMP Coldingley, is alleged to have had a sexual relationship with Sharif, leading to their collaboration in smuggling contraband, including “spice,” into the prison. Sallis was purportedly involved in the supply of the illegal substance. Additionally, it is claimed that Dale had a sexual relationship with at least one other prisoner.
Jurors learned that Dale entered the prison service in September 2021 and was informed about the Counter Corruption and Reporting Wrongdoing Policy. Brand mentioned that Dale and Sharif were observed entering a multi-faith room in the prison together, with two inmates acting as lookouts. Following this encounter, investigators reportedly found a sexually explicit message from Sharif on Dale’s phone.
Further revelations indicated that Dale visited Sharif multiple times at HMP Swaleside and engaged in affectionate behavior during these visits. Brand highlighted that Dale sent flirtatious images to Sharif via the prison’s email system and transferred money to him while employed as a prison officer. Following Dale’s arrest, authorities discovered incriminating items in her possession, including materials to conceal contraband and a framed canvas of the couple in her home.
Brand also mentioned that a search of Sharif’s cell after Dale’s arrest revealed love letters and provocative photographs from Dale. Phone data from Dale’s seized device allegedly showed a physical relationship with another inmate at HMP Coldingley. The court heard about Dale’s communication with prisoners via illicit mobile phones and involvement in smuggling “spice-soaked envelopes” into the prison, guided by Sharif.
Dale, from Portsmouth, denies charges of misconduct in a public office and conspiracy related to conveying prohibited articles into prison. Sallis, from East Sussex, denies involvement in a conspiracy to convey prohibited items into prison. The trial is ongoing.
