'My stalker tormented me with death threats and false police reports' says Cambridgeshire vet
Megan Brailsford is speaking out after her case featured on 24 Hours in Police Custody
A veterinary nurse has revealed how her ex-partner subjected her to months of relentless harassment, leaving her in fear for her life, before he was arrested and jailed.
Megan Brailsford is speaking out after her case featured on 24 Hours in Police Custody. She described how her ex-partner, Daniel Dugdale, 29, orchestrated an escalating campaign of abuse after their relationship ended, involving death threats, false reports to police, and attempts to sabotage her career.
“Had he not been caught, at the rate it was escalating, I think it would’ve got a lot worse – he could’ve killed me,” said Megan.
The investigation began in January 2023 after Megan reported a series of anonymous threats and malicious acts. These included hoax calls that brought armed police to her home and messages falsely claiming she had killed her children and buried them.
“At first, I thought Daniel had done something to annoy someone, so they were getting back at him,” she said.
Megan described receiving chilling messages ranging from “you look beautiful today” to “let me kill you,” as well as threats to harm her and her dog. She was bombarded with silent phone calls and received messages targeting her family and colleagues.
“One day, my family and best friend called in tears, thinking I’d died – they had received fake messages saying I was dead,” she said.
Dugdale also attempted to sabotage Megan’s career by sending a false email to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, asking for her removal from the register.
“He was relentless,” Megan said. “It was constant. It felt like a full-time job for him.”
During this period, Dugdale pretended to be a victim himself, reporting incidents to the police and warning others about supposed harassment.
“I started to wonder if it was him,” Megan said. “But he was clever – he played the victim and even warned taxi ranks about what was happening.”
Dugdale was eventually linked to the crimes through Megan’s phone records and was arrested in March 2023. Police uncovered evidence, including phone calls made to Megan every four seconds.
In a police interview, Dugdale admitted, “I was trying to hurt her, so she would need me.”
Dugdale pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking involving alarm or distress and perverting the course of justice. In April 2023, he was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court.
DC Emily Richardson, who investigated the case, praised Megan for her courage. “Dugdale manipulated Megan to try to destroy every aspect of her life, so I am pleased he is in prison. This case highlights how terrifying stalking can be,” she said.
Since Dugdale’s conviction, Megan has moved house and changed jobs for her safety. She urged others experiencing stalking to seek help.
“Being stalked isn’t just about being followed. It can make you feel so isolated,” Megan said. “Get help – whether it’s from the police, charities, or loved ones. When I reported it, I thought I’d sound mad, but the police took it seriously.”
For advice and support on stalking and harassment, visit the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website. If you fear a partner or ex-partner may pose a risk, Clare’s Law provides a way to request information on their history.