Robert Greens 'made threats to police about committing more crimes'

Sex offender Robert Greens has made threats to police about committing more crimes.

The 34-year-old has contacted officers to tell them he feels so enraged by protesters outside his home he thinks he will re-offend.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Lothian and Borders Police were granted a temporary order to control his movements.

Greens was jailed in 2005 for raping a 19-year-old Dutch student near Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian. He is fighting an attempt by the force to have a full sexual offences prevention order (Sopo) imposed on him, saying it contravenes his human rights.

The Sopo would give police the right to constantly monitor him, which they argue would stop him from committing more offences.

Police solicitor Andy McGlone asked Sheriff Isabella McColl to ignore Greens’ concerns, saying they needed to have the Sopo to protect the public.

He said: "He has contacted the police and the social work department at Midlothian Council to tell them about how he fears that he will re-offend. The police have on occasion attended at his home to talk him down and dissuade him not to commit more offences.

"The trigger factors for re-offending are present - he is currently experiencing feelings of rage, loss of control and feelings of humilation. He is angered by the constant presence of 60 odd protestors outside his home. I would ask your ladyship to extend the order. It is necessary to maintain public order and safety."

Mr McGlone also said Greens has threatened to confront his former wife, prompting concerns from officers that he could harm her.

The court heard a family member heard that Greens was ready to leave his home and travel to see her but they managed to persuade him not to leave his house.

Greens’ solicitor Tony Kelly said his client had contacted police because he was concerned about the terms of the Sopo. He said the order was so strict, Greens was worried he might break it and be returned to jail.

Mr Kelly added: "He is virtually a prisoner in his own home. He contacted the police to seek advice about the terms of the order."

Sheriff McColl extended the order on a temporary basis until August 6.

Until then, Greens isn't allowed to contact his ex wife, members of her family, not visit an undisclosed location in Midlothian and notify police about where he is travelling to.

Officers are also able to knock on his door at any time and he is obliged to answer their queries.

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