A nurse who obsessively stalked a dentist by attaching a tracking device to his car and breaking into his home has escaped a prison sentence. Sophie Colwill, 30, was sentenced to a suspended 20-week prison term after a string of disturbing incidents involving her former colleague and ex-boyfriend, David Pagliero.
Colwill and Pagliero, 54, both worked at the Smile Dental Centre in Exeter, Devon, which brands itself as “The Gentle Dental Centre.” Their relationship began after Pagliero’s wife passed away, and he sought companionship with Colwill. However, after their split, Colwill became fixated on him, launching a relentless campaign of harassment.
The court heard that Colwill bombarded Pagliero with up to 1,000 phone calls in a single day, peaking at 965 calls in one 24-hour period and exceeding 1,000 the following day. Her obsessive behavior escalated when she broke into his home and waited for him in his bedroom before fleeing through a window.
On one occasion, Pagliero spotted Colwill following him in her car and opening his vehicle at a local shop, suspecting she had obtained a spare key. Fearing for his safety, Pagliero abandoned his car, believing he was being followed.
Prosecutor Alistair Verheijen explained that during one incident, Colwill gained access to Pagliero’s £1.35 million home, where a struggle occurred as she tried to seize his mobile phone. The court heard that Colwill’s harassment campaign was unrelenting, with Pagliero pleading with the judge to show leniency.
In light of Pagliero’s request, the judge opted to suspend her prison sentence for 12 months. In addition, Colwill was banned from contacting Pagliero or entering his home or dental practice for five years.
Colwill’s punishment also included a five-year restraining order prohibiting any further contact with Pagliero. The court emphasized the need for mental health support and counseling for Colwill, recognizing the toll her obsession had taken on both her and Pagliero.
