Hundreds protest outside new home of convicted rapist Robert Greens

Peaceful protest: People have been gathering nightly outside Greens' residence but this is the biggest campaign yet.SWNS Group

Hundreds of protestors gathered outside the home of a convicted rapist living in their community in a bid to get him moved.

Residents from a nearby Midlothian village surrounded the home of Robert Greens, who was released early in February from a ten-year prison sentence for raping a 19-year-old Dutch student in 2005.

The rapist was drunk and on drugs when he carried out the attack near Rosslyn Chapel, and originally blamed his twin brother, claiming he could not remember it.

The victim was left so badly injured that witnesses thought she had been in a car crash.

On Monday evening, adults, teenagers and children walked through the small town carrying placards and banners, many chanting “get the beast out”.

The peaceful protest rounded up outside Greens’ secluded cottage in Midlothian, where the curtains remained closed.

Community members reacted angrily when Greens was moved to the area, which is opposite thick woodland used by walkers and joggers and is located within ten miles of the scene of the rape, Rosslyn Chapel.

Locals have been gathering outside the house regularly since Greens was moved there a week ago.

The march was organised by Sharon O'Donnell, 41, who said she was overwhelmed by the turnout on Monday and plans to return every night until Greens is moved.

Villagers in Dalkeith staged a protest in February when they thought Greens was going to be placed in their community, and he was subsequently housed temporarily in Edinburgh, before being moved to the current location.

On sentencing Greens in 2006, Judge Lord McKay of Drumadoon described the rape as "violent and brutal" and imposed a seven-year supervision period upon his release from jail.

He has been at several addresses since his release and the panel which makes multi-agency public protection arrangements said Midlothian was considered the most stable place for him and "allows partners to maximise public protection".

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