Da Vinci rapist protester charged over alleged online threats

The man was handcuffed and led away by police ahead of Monday night’s march demanding the removal of Robert Greens from his  Midlothian home.

It follows officers visiting a young woman in Dalkeith to ask her to take down a website relating to an alleged sex offender last weekend.

Police closed the road leading to Greens’ home on Monday as a crowd of 600  marchers assembled outside the secluded cottage, located just six miles from Rosslyn Chapel, near Bonnyrigg, where he brutally raped a 19-year-old Dutch student in 2005.

It was the second major protest organised by locals angered by his controversial rehoming in the area last month.

Protest organiser Kelly Parry said: “The police were very heavy-handed in arresting this man. We don’t want to become the targets in all this and that is why we have repeatedly told those taking part to do so peacefully.

“We have been policing this ourselves, deleting numerous comments posted to our online group due to threats of physical violence and inciting  trouble.

“Most of what is posted is quite positive but people need to be aware that posting threatening comments could result in police becoming involved.

“There is a level of anger and frustration within the local community at the lack of action on the part of authorities.”

A police spokesperson said: “One male was arrested for an alleged offence under the Telecommunication Act prior to the marches commencing.”

Superintendent Liz McAinsh, local commander for Midlothian, said: “Lothian and Borders Police facilitated two peaceful marches and a protest of approximately 350 people in Midlothian. Each of these events passed without incident.

“I am also concerned that innocent people may be put at risk as a result of inappropriate behaviour arising during demonstrations.

“Under Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappa), police, along with the local authority and NHS, have a statutory responsibility to manage sex offenders on their return to the  community.

“Robert Greens is from Midlothian, which means he must be managed here.

“It’s not possible to make long term arrangements for him to be housed elsewhere, and we would continue to appeal to people to remain calm, and to work with all of the partners involved in Mappa for the benefit of the wider community.”