DEPRAVED EDINBURGH ATTACKER WHO PREYED ON WOMAN AFTER NIGHT OUT JAILED INDEFINITELY
A rapist who sexually abused three vulnerable women in the space of nine months has been jailed indefinitely.University student David Ekpe was sentenced on Tuesday, December 16, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
The assaults took place in 2022 and 2023.
The 23-year-old was found guilty of all three charges on November 19, 2024.
The court was told how he assaulted his first victim at an address in Grangemouth, Falkirk, while she was intoxicated and asleep, therefore incapable of giving consent.
Less than three months later, he did the same to another woman who was also drunk and asleep, after he met her and her friends on a night out in the capital.
A third woman was attacked after matching with Ekpe on a dating app.
He drove her to a secluded location in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, before raping her.
She managed to escape by running from the vehicle and flagging down a passing motorist for help.
Ekpe earlier pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching bail conditions.
On December 16, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Ekpe was made subject to an Order of Lifelong Restriction.
He must serve a minimum sentence of four years and six months in custody before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.
His name has also been added to the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.
Non-harassment orders, banning Ekpe from contacting or attempting to contact the three women, were also granted indefinitely.
Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “David Ekpe poses a danger to women and has shown that he will exploit any vulnerability for his own selfish gratification.
“Thereport led evidence from all three women which showed this man had engaged in a depraved pattern of sexually criminal behaviour.
Ekpe has now been held accountable for his actions which I hope brings some comfort to those involved.
“COPFS will continue to do all that we can to hold perpetrators to account while supporting those affected through the prosecution process.” Detective Inspector Gordon Couper added: "Epke is a dangerous, violent man who subjected these women to horrendous ordeals and deserves to face justice for his actions.
"I would like to commend the women for their strength throughout the legal process, and I hope this conclusion will help them as they move forward with their lives.
"I'd urge anyone who has been a victim of physical or sexual abuse to report it to us, regardless of when it happened.
“All reports are thoroughly investigated, and we have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout.”
