Sean Stephen’s corpse was so badly decayed a DNA sample using his toothbrush had to be used so the 38-year-old could be identified.<\/p>\n
His heartbroken wife Julie spoke to the Record<\/a> saying she is “baffled” that no one realised her husband’s body lay decomposing in the council’s headquarters ,and has been left with questions over what happened.<\/p>\n Julie, 47, had been chatting with Sean over the phone when he went into the building on the Royal Mile<\/a> on July 1. She later reported him missing when she was unable to reach him.<\/p>\n But it wasn’t until almost a week later that his body was discovered. Here we look at five questions that must be answered by Police Scotland<\/a> and Edinburgh City Council as an investigation continues into his death.<\/p>\n 1. Did council staff – such a cleaners or receptionists – query why the cubicle was locked for six days<\/p>\n Sean’s wife, Julie, has stated that she is \u201cbaffled\u201d that nobody noticed the cubicle was in use for such a prolonged period, despite there being \u201csecurity guards, cleaners and someone who sits at reception.\u201d<\/p>\n This has raised concerns that no member of staff was alarmed about the locked cubicle, or if they did, no action was taken. Whether anyone actually attempted to check on the space during those six days remains unanswered.<\/p>\n 2. What is the standard protocol for checking locked cubicles when the City Chambers is being closed for the day?<\/p>\n It is currently not known what existing protocols are in place for checking toilet cubicles during daily closures. Given the public nature of the City Chambers and the presence of security personnel, it’s assumes some form of sweep or inspection would occur.<\/p>\n However, the fact that Sean\u2019s body remained undiscovered for nearly a week raises serious questions about whether such checks were performed or even required by council policy.<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile<\/strong><\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n 3. Was there a fault with the lock on the cubicle where Sean was found?<\/p>\n It\u2019s unclear whether a faulty or jammed lock may have played a role in delaying Sean’s discovery. The council has not commented on this detail, and as Julie notes, \u201cthe CID are still digging,\u201d suggesting this may be one of several points still under investigation.<\/p>\n 4. Why did security staff not notice Sean hadn’t returned from the toilet?<\/p>\n Sean was last seen entering the council building while speaking to Julie on the phone. After telling her he felt unwell and needed the toilet, he was never seen again.<\/p>\n Julie explained there was \u201cCCTV footage\u201d of him walking on the Royal Mile before entering the City Chambers, but no one noticed he hadn\u2019t exited.<\/p>\n The presence of \u201csecurity guards\u201d at the City Chambers raises serious questions as to how a man could vanish within the building without his absence being logged or noticed.<\/p>\n 5. Did police carry out a full search of the City Chambers when Sean was reported missing?<\/p>\n Julie reported Sean missing the same evening, but claimed the initial police response was dismissive due to his age, saying: \u201c The first response I got was he’s 38 years old. He couldn’t be a missing person (yet) because of his age.\u201d<\/p>\n It’s unclear whether police searched the City Chambers early in the investigation. Police Scotland have so far said they received a report of concern for a 38-year-old man in the Edinburgh area who failed to make an pre-arranged appointment on July 1 at 9.20pm.<\/p>\n Further adding that enquiries were carried out to trace him and he was traced deceased on Monday, 7 July in the High Street area.<\/p>\n A Police Scotland spokesperson said: \u201cAt 9.20pm on Tuesday, 1 July, 2025 we received a report of concern for a 38-year-old man in the Edinburgh area who failed to make an pre-arranged appointment. Enquiries were carried out to trace him and he was traced deceased on Monday, 7 July in the High Street area of Edinburgh<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Sean](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/92504502_1751989488215767_rjpeg.jpg\")
Sean Stephen(Image: Facebook)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747398730_254_0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!<\/p>\n![\"Sean](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_Screen-Shot-2025-07-15-at-133326.jpg\")
Sean was found dead after lying dead for six days in a toilet at Edinburgh City Chambers(Image: Facebook)<\/p>\n