A prison officer who engaged in sexual relationships with two inmates and conspired to smuggle envelopes laced with the synthetic drug spice into jail has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison. Isabelle Dale, 23, was described by the judge as a thoroughly devious, untruthful and manipulative young woman during her sentencing at Southwark Crown Court.
Romantic Entanglements Behind Bars
Dale became romantically involved with two inmates while working at HMP Coldingley in Surrey. She swore her undying love to both Shahid Sharif, 33, and Connor Money, 28, telling them she wanted to be with them upon their release. The court heard how Dale had sexual encounters with Sharif in the prison's worship area, with two other inmates acting as lookouts during these illicit meetings.
Evidence of Impropriety
Evidence presented during the trial revealed the extent of Dale's inappropriate relationships. She had Sharif's nickname, Sneaks, tattooed on her neck and referred to herself as Miss Sneaky. A rather garish framed picture of Dale and Sharif was discovered hanging above her bed at home, featuring their images spliced together with a white heart and the date May 17, 2022 - believed to mark their engagement.
Drug Smuggling Conspiracy
Following Sharif's transfer to HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, Dale conspired with him and his associate, Lilea Sallis, 28, to smuggle spice into the prison. During recorded phone conversations, Sharif told Dale there was big bread to be made selling drugs behind bars, warning that packages couldn't look bait and needed to appear diligent.
Foiled Plans and Arrest
The smuggling plot was complicated by a postal strike, forcing the conspirators to arrange for Dale to travel to Brighton to collect the spice-laced envelopes directly from Sallis. However, Sallis backed out due to conflicts over prices and Sharif's social media posts about Dale. The judge noted that Sallis didn't have a fit of conscience but rather her enthusiasm cooled for these practical reasons.
Dale was arrested on November 1 during her final visit with Sharif at HMP Swaleside. Following her arrest, police discovered she had also been sexually involved with inmate Connor Money on at least one occasion.
Background and Sentencing
Dale began working at HMP Coldingley in September 2021, her first and only prison posting. By January 2022, she had mentioned Sharif to a senior colleague, and by May they were engaged. The judge acknowledged text messages proved they clearly had a sexual relationship and that other guards had obviously clocked on to what was going on.
Vulnerabilities and Motivation
Defence barrister Syam Soni argued that Dale's offending was influenced by mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, emotionally unstable personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. He claimed she was ill-equipped for the prison environment and more vulnerable than others.
However, Judge Hehir rejected these factors as excuses, stating: I accept you have some vulnerabilities, but, as was apparent in your evidence, you seek to use them as a shield and an excuse for your actions. But they did not provide that. The judge added that he suspected Dale actually joined the prison service with a view to becoming involved in criminal activities with prisoners.
Criminal Histories of Inmates
Sharif was serving a 12-year, 10-month sentence for an extremely violent robbery of a jewellers on the south coast at the time of his relationship with Dale. Money was imprisoned for nine years for killing his best friend in a 147mph police chase crash on a Kent motorway.
The court heard how Dale shared sensitive information with Money, reassuring him during a cell search concern by saying: Don't worry, security aren't too hot on you.
Sentencing Outcomes
Dale, from Portsmouth, was sentenced to three and a half years for two counts of misconduct in a public office between September 2021 and December 2022, and one count of conspiring to convey a List A article into prison. She has since resigned from her position.
Sharif, already in custody at HMP Wandsworth, received 27 months for conspiring to bring drugs into Swaleside, a charge to which he previously admitted. Sallis, who denied the charge but was convicted by a jury, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Judge's Final Remarks
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Hehir concluded: I have concluded that unfortunately, you are a thoroughly devious, untruthful and manipulative young woman. She wanted to do it. I think she's attention seeking, and I think she seeks validation, and I think she did that through relationships with prisoners.
The evidence presented to the jury demonstrated that Dale well understood what corruption was and the risks and dangers relating to it, according to judicial findings.
