Prison Officer Sentenced for Inappropriate Conduct and Contraband Offences
A young prison officer has been handed a significant custodial sentence after being found guilty of engaging in sexual relationships with inmates and attempting to bring prohibited substances into a correctional facility.
Details of the Serious Offences
Isabelle Dale, aged 23, who was employed as a prison officer at HMP Coldingley in Surrey, has been sentenced to three and a half years imprisonment. The court heard how Dale developed inappropriate relationships with two prisoners, leading to multiple charges of misconduct in a public office.
During proceedings at Southwark Crown Court, prosecutors outlined how Dale engaged in sexual activity with inmate Shahid Sharif, a 33-year-old convicted robber, within the prison's multi-faith room. The incident occurred on 19 July 2022, with two other inmates reportedly acting as lookouts during the four-minute encounter.
Evidence of Inappropriate Relationships
The prosecution presented compelling evidence of Dale's relationships with prisoners. Following the incident with Sharif, investigators discovered numerous love letters and provocative photographs of Dale during a search of Sharif's cell. Some of these letters were found to be laced with Spice, a synthetic cannabis substance.
Further examination revealed that Dale had Sharif's nickname 'Sneaks' tattooed on the back of her neck and kept a framed photograph of the pair together above her bed. In one particularly revealing message, Dale wrote about wearing a promise ring and having the tattoo as symbols of her commitment to the inmate.
Drug Smuggling Attempts Uncovered
In addition to the misconduct charges, Dale was convicted of conspiracy to convey a 'List A' prohibited article into prison. Officers discovered equipment in her vehicle that could be used to smuggle synthetic cannabis into the facility, along with carbon paper typically employed to prevent detection by prison x-ray machines.
The investigation also uncovered that Dale had purchased a £3,000 promise ring after Sharif instructed her to do so to prove her loyalty. She admitted to regularly engaging in 'phone sex' with Sharif, though claimed she was unaware that possessing a mobile phone in prison was illegal.
Multiple Inmate Relationships Revealed
The court heard that Dale's inappropriate conduct extended beyond her relationship with Sharif. She was also involved with inmate Connor Money, 28, who is serving a nine-year sentence for causing the death of his best friend during a police pursuit in 2020.
When Dale was detained on 1 November 2022 while visiting Sharif at Swaleside prison, where he had been transferred following the exposure of their relationship, officers discovered text messages detailing her relationship with Money and communications with at least two other prisoners.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Judge Chris Hehir described Dale's actions as "very grave offences" during an earlier hearing, advising her to prepare emotionally and physically for imprisonment. The judge emphasised the seriousness of breaching the trust placed in prison officers and the potential consequences for prison security and discipline.
Dale had previously told the court that she struggled to integrate with colleagues who ridiculed her tattoos, claiming she found comfort in the attention from prisoners. However, the court found her actions constituted clear breaches of professional conduct and legal boundaries.
The case highlights the importance of maintaining professional boundaries within correctional facilities and the serious consequences that follow when those boundaries are violated by staff members entrusted with maintaining security and order.
