A prison guard is facing allegations of engaging in a sexual relationship with a convicted robber who reportedly threatened her with harm if she did not comply with his demands, including undergoing a buttock enlargement procedure.
Isabelle Dale, 23, is accused of being involved romantically with Shahid Sharif, an inmate at HMP Coldingley who was imprisoned for his role in a violent jewelry store heist between September 1 and December 31, 2022. Testimony at Southwark Crown Court revealed that Dale, despite denying any sexual interactions with Sharif, was found to have engaged in intimate activities with him in a prayer room at the prison while two other inmates acted as lookouts.
Dale claimed that although she initially found Sharif charming, she later faced multiple threats from him. Allegations include Sharif coercing her into getting buttock enhancement surgery and purchasing a ring as a symbol of loyalty. Dale stated that she felt compelled to comply with Sharif’s demands out of fear for her safety, as he had allegedly threatened her life.
Moreover, Dale asserted that Sharif exercised control over her, pressuring her to undergo physical alterations and making derogatory comments about her appearance. She disclosed that the surgery to enlarge her buttocks resulted in severe complications, leading to hospitalization due to infections.
During the trial, it was revealed that Sharif had coerced Dale into assisting him in smuggling envelopes containing a synthetic drug called spice into the prison. Dale was also implicated in managing Sharif’s social media accounts to procure drugs from an external source.
When questioned about her involvement in the drug smuggling operation, Dale claimed ignorance regarding the contents of the envelopes and expressed apprehension about questioning Sharif’s actions. Furthermore, Dale alleged that Sharif had confessed to engaging in sexual activities with other prison staff in the past and had instructed her to obtain a sex toy as proof of her fidelity.
The trial is ongoing, with Dale maintaining her innocence regarding the alleged physical relationship with Sharif and refuting charges of misconduct and conspiracy related to smuggling prohibited items into the prison. Co-defendants Lilea Sallis and Shahid Sharif have also denied their involvement in the conspiracy.
The legal proceedings are set to continue as more evidence is presented in court.
