Man dumped phone belonging to sex worker who overdosed in his van

A man who dumped a phone belonging to a sex worker who overdosed in the back of his van in Edinburgh has been jailed for over three years.

Douglas Dunbar was found to have been supplying women involved in prostitution in the Edinburgh area with drugs and money in return for sex following the incident in February 2024.

The 65-year-old supplied the woman with drugs for several months prior to her death, and admitted disposing of her phone in an attempt to defeat the ends of justice.

Police were called to a shopping centre in Edinburgh following a report of concern for an unresponsive female within a vehicle on February 25.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and her death was treated as drug-related.

Following an investigation, police found that Dunbar had been “preying” on vulnerable women by supplying them with drugs.

He was convicted of supplying controlled drugs to several women, assault and attempting to defeat the ends of justice at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

On one occasion, he violently assaulted a woman by restraining her arm and compressing her neck within his van in January 2024.

Dunbar has been ordered to serve three years and four months in prison.

Detective sergeant Ashley Rea, Gayfield CID, said: “Dunbar preyed on vulnerable women, supplying them with drugs, which he knew could cause serious harm.

“When one woman suffered an overdose in his van, he disposed of her phone in an attempt to cover his tracks before then calling emergency services for help. His actions were reckless and deplorable, with no concern for the risk posed to these vulnerable women.

“I want to commend the women who came forward to report what had happened to them. I want to thank them and the family of the woman who died for providing key information which resulted in charges against Dunbar.

“It’s thanks to their combined strength and determination throughout the process that Dunbar is now behind bars. I hope the outcome in court will bring them some form of justice and comfort.

“I also want to acknowledge the work done by detectives and criminal justice partners to bring him to justice.

“Police Scotland is dedicated to tackling violence against women and commercial sexual exploitation. Women and girls should be able to live their lives free from all forms of violence, abuse, harassment and exploitation. We understand how difficult it can be to report violence or abuse.

“It is important people understand they are not alone, help is available. We have specially trained officers and partners who take a trauma-informed approach. Anyone who reports such crimes is fully supported throughout.”