Rapist protest set to bring town centre to a standstill

DA Vinci rapist protesters were set to bring the centre of Dalkeith to a standstill this morning as they took their campaign to Midlothian Council’s head offices.

More than 30 cars were expected to set off at a snail’s pace from Kings’s Park to the local authority’s headquarter’s on Buccleuch Street less than a mile away at 10am today.

Protestors angry that sex offender Robert Greens has been re-housed in Bonnyrigg then planned to slowly circle the town centre for two hours tooting horns and waving banners.

Hundreds of protesters bearing placards were then expected to descend on the council offices from Dalkeith Country Park at 1pm.

Campaign leaders decided on the bold tactic after growing increasingly frustrated at Midlothian Council’s response to the ongoing situation.

The town’s taxi drivers and several businesses were given prior warnings about the plans by protest leaders.

Campaign organiser Sharon O’Donnell said: “We want to let Midlothian Council and Mappa know that we are not going away. Instead, we are becoming bigger and stronger.

“The powers that be need to start listening to the community. We want this monster out and we are not going to stop until that happens. We are not trying to cause upset with Dalkeith residents but felt this was the only way we could get their attention.

“Local people are being made to feel like they’re the ones committing a crime by protesting against Greens. He’s even said himself that he doesn’t want to be in Midlothian so why doesn’t the council and Mappa do everyone a favour and send him off somewhere else?”

A Lothians and Borders Police spokesman said: “We are aware of the march plans. Officers are working in conjunction with the council and 
organisers.”

An online group Get Robert Greens Out of Midlothian has so far attracted more than 14,000 members from across the world.

Police have twice closed the rural road leading to Greens’ cottage as hundreds of protesters marched on the property.

Several campaigners are also camped outside at most other times.

Supporters are also being urged to get involved by emailing their local MP, David Hamilton, Midlothian Council or by heading along to the daily evening protests outside Greens’ home.

Mindful of maintaining public support, protesters have also urged those wishing to attend today’s march to arrive no later than 12.45pm, park responsibly and protest peacefully. No alcohol is to be consumed on the march.

Greens was jailed for ten years in 2006 for the rape of a 19-year-old Dutch student near Rosslyn Chapel, 
Midlothian.