Dental Nurse Sentenced for Stalking Campaign Against Dentist

AUSTRALIA: A dental nurse in Exeter has been given a suspended prison sentence following a disturbing stalking campaign against her former employer, a widowed dentist. Sophie Colwill (pictured), 30, pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress, as reported by The West Australian.

The relationship between Colwill and Dr. David Pagliero, 54, began innocently enough, with Dr. Pagliero seeking companionship after the loss of his wife in 2021. However, the situation took a dark turn after their split, leading to a series of alarming incidents.

Escalating Behaviour

Prosecutor Alistair Verheijen detailed the extent of Colwill’s actions, which occurred in May. The court heard that Colwill’s behaviour included following Dr. Pagliero to various locations, leading him to suspect he was being tracked. Mr. Verheijen stated:

“He drove to a local business and, after leaving his vehicle, saw Colwill open his car – and he thought that she must have a spare key for his car.”

The situation escalated to the point where Dr. Pagliero felt compelled to abandon his vehicle, fearing continued tracking.

Home Invasion and Harassment

The stalking campaign reached a frightening climax when Colwill gained entry to Dr. Pagliero’s £1.35 million home in Exton, Devon. According to Mr. Verheijen:

“At 2am, he found Colwill in his bedroom. She went for his mobile phone and there was a tug of war.”

This intrusion led Dr. Pagliero to barricade himself in his bedroom for safety. The court also heard that Colwill bombarded her victim with an astonishing number of phone calls, reaching up to 1,000 per day.

Legal Consequences

Despite the severity of her actions, Colwill was spared immediate imprisonment. The court sentenced her to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. This decision was influenced by Dr. Pagliero’s request for the judge to be “kind” and not imprison Colwill.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Colwill was subjected to a five-year restraining order, prohibiting her from contacting Dr. Pagliero or approaching his home or dental practice.

Professional Implications

The incident has potential ramifications for Colwill’s career. Her solicitor informed the court that she may face disciplinary action from the General Dental Council. Colwill, who qualified as a dental nurse in 2021, now sees her professional future in jeopardy.

Victim Impact

Dr. Pagliero, in his victim impact statement, described the initial companionship with Colwill as a “tonic and nice.” However, he added that the subsequent stalking had “worn me down,” emphasising the traumatic nature of the experience.

This case highlights the potential dangers when professional relationships turn personal and the importance of maintaining boundaries in the workplace.