David Ekpe

David Ekpe, a 23-year-old university student, was convicted of serious sexual offences against three vulnerable women in Scotland. The offences occurred over a nine-month period in 2022 and 2023, demonstrating a pattern of predatory behaviour targeting intoxicated and defenceless victims.

The first incident took place at an address in Grangemouth, where Ekpe sexually assaulted a woman who was intoxicated, asleep, and incapable of giving consent. Less than three months later, during a night out in Edinburgh, Ekpe met a second woman and her friends. He later raped her while she was asleep and under the influence of alcohol.

• In the third attack, Ekpe matched with a woman on a dating app and drove her to a secluded location in Cumbernauld.
• There, he sexually assaulted her, but she managed to escape by fleeing the vehicle and flagging down a passing motorist for assistance.

Ekpe had earlier pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching bail conditions related to these matters. Following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, he was found guilty of three charges on 19 November 2024.

On 16 December 2025, Ekpe was sentenced to an Order of Lifelong Restriction, requiring him to serve a minimum punishment part of four years and six months in custody before any consideration for release by the Parole Board. His name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely, and non-harassment orders were granted to protect the three victims from any contact.

Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, stated: “David Ekpe poses a danger to women and has shown that he will exploit any vulnerability for his own selfish gratification. The prosecution 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.”

Detective Inspector Gordon Couper added: “Ekpe 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.”

The case was handled by Police Scotland, with the prosecution led by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). The offences all occurred within Scotland, including locations in Grangemouth, Edinburgh, and Cumbernauld.