• Scott Payne gets on one knee to propose to Rachelli Yaafe in the tunnels under Fremantle prison. Photos supplied | Fremantle Prison

MOST prison romances take place in the shower block, but Scott Payne proposed to his girlfriend in a dank tunnel, under Fremantle gaol.

Payne and English girlfriend Rachelli Yaafe had been together for just eight weeks when he popped the question during the prison’s subterranean tour.

Yaafe says the relationship started online.

“I had just returned from England and was jet-lagged, so I jumped on Tinder,” she laughs.

“We met up, and I know it’s a cliche, but it was love at first sight.

“Scott is a building consultant and I work as his PA now.

“We’re packing our cases and fly out to Las Vegas tonight to get married.”

As with most prison capers, Scott had help from the inside: prison events manager Tania Nelson says staff helped him hide the ring, in a box tied to helium balloons, in the tunnel.

“Scott had booked onto an adventurous Fremantle prison tunnels tour, and requested staff to help him create a memorable proposal themed around the 2009 comedy-adventure film, Up,” Ms Nelson says.

“The tour guide was also there to capture the unforgettable moment for the couple.

“We wish Scott and Rachelli all the very best as they start a new adventure together.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK