Man jailed after supplying drugs to 'vulnerable women' in Edinburgh and violent assault on another victim
Douglas Dunbar, 65, pleaded guilty to multiple charges at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this year
A man who preyed on vulnerable women by supplying them drugs and physically assaulting them has been jailed for three years.
Douglas Dunbar, 65, pleaded guilty to supplying controlled drugs to several women, assault and attempting to defeat the ends of justice during a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, February 3.
Dunbar was arrested and charged after police were called to a shopping centre in Edinburgh on February 25, 2024 following reports of an unresponsive woman inside a vehicle.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and her death was treated as drug-related.
Following enquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death, it was discovered that Dunbar has supplied her with class A drugs on several occasions in the months prior to her death.
He was also found to have been engaging with others involved in prostitution in the city area in exchange for cash and controlled drugs.
As well as admitting to attempting to defeat the ends of justice by throwing away his mobile phone, Dunbar also admitted to violently assaulting another woman by restraining her arm and compressing her neck while inside his vehicle in January 2024.
During his sentencing on Tuesday, June 9, Dunbar was ordered to serve three years and four months behind bars.
Detective Sergeant Ashley Rea, Gayfield CID, said: “Dunbar prayed 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.
DS Rea added: “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.”