Reports claim prison officer Isabelle Dale had sex with a convicted robber in a prison prayer room as two inmates kept watch at the door.

Southwark Crown Court, London – A sensational case involving allegations of prison corruption and the smuggling of illicit substances into a high-security facility is currently unfolding at Southwark Crown Court.

Former prison officer Isabelle Dale, 23, is standing trial, accused of entering into a sexual relationship with a convicted robber, Shahid Sharif, while she was on duty at HMP Coldingley in Surrey.

The prosecution, led by Kieran Brand, outlined a series of alleged acts that demonstrate a profound breach of duty and institutional policy. The core of the case centres on Dale’s relationship with Sharif, a prisoner serving a 12-year sentence for robbery, and her alleged role in facilitating the introduction of contraband, including synthetic cannabis known as ‘spice,’ into the correctional system.

Jurors heard compelling evidence detailing the alleged intimate nature of the relationship. It is claimed that Dale engaged in sexual activity with Sharif inside a HMP Coldingley prayer room, with two other inmates reportedly standing watch outside the door.

CCTV footage allegedly captured Dale leaving the room just four minutes later, appearing to “readjust her belt area.”

The prosecution presented a message allegedly sent by Sharif to Dale following the encounter, which explicitly detailed the intimate nature of their relationship: “It was good sharing dat love today ur p*****s ammaazzzeeeingggggg”.

Following the alleged incident, Sharif was transferred to HMP Swaleside in Kent.

Despite the transfer and her professional obligations, Dale is accused of continuing the relationship, visiting him on three separate occasions between September and October 2022. During one of these visits, CCTV reportedly showed the pair “embracing and kissing.”

The case escalated beyond an inappropriate relationship to one of alleged institutional corruption. Dale is accused of using the “email a prisoner system” to send flirty images to Sharif and of sending him money, specifically £100 transferred across two payments, while actively employed as a prison officer.

Crucially, the prosecution alleges that Dale then agreed to help Sharif smuggle contraband, specifically envelopes “laced with spice,” into his new prison. This operation allegedly involved a second defendant, Lilea Sallis, an associate of Sharif, who is accused of sourcing the synthetic cannabis for the smuggling plot.

Upon Dale’s arrest, investigators uncovered a significant amount of incriminating evidence:

• Drug Paraphernalia: Police found drug-smuggling paraphernalia in the boot of her car.
• Intimate Items: Officers discovered an engagement ring Dale claimed Sharif had purchased for her, and a “framed canvas” of the couple displayed above her bed.
• Love Letters: A search of Sharif’s cell reportedly uncovered a “quantity” of love letters and “provocative photographs” sent by Dale.

Furthermore, recovered text messages on Dale’s phone allegedly showed she had also engaged in a sexual relationship with “at least” one other inmate at HMP Coldingley named Connor Money.

In a disturbing exchange, the court heard that Dale referenced watching a documentary on HMP Belmarsh about prisoners grooming staff, and sent a laughing emoji, indicating a potential awareness of the dynamics at play.

Despite this, she messaged Money, stating, “You maybe just wanting to use me because I’m an officer but I don’t think your like that xx,” to which he allegedly replied with an explicit message.

Isabelle Dale, of Portsmouth, denies two counts of misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to convey a ‘List A’ prohibited article into prison. Lilea Sallis, of East Sussex, denies the conspiracy charge. Shahid Sharif has already pleaded guilty to conspiring with the two women to convey drugs into prison. The trial continues.