Robert Greens, the so-called 'Da Vinci rapist,' is facing another lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of raping and physically assaulting a woman in Midlothian. The 48-year-old was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow of two rapes and repeated assaults against the same victim, crimes that occurred between 2000 and 2005.
Conviction and Sentencing
Greens was previously jailed for 10 years in 2006 for the rape of a 19-year-old Dutch student at Rosslyn Chapel, a historic site featured in Dan Brown's novel 'The Da Vinci Code.' In the latest trial, prosecutors were allowed to introduce evidence of that earlier crime to support the new allegations. The 2005 victim was listed as a Crown witness but did not return to Scotland to testify.
During the trial, Greens testified for the first time about the Rosslyn Chapel attack, sobbing as he claimed he 'deserved' his punishment. However, he denied the new accusations, insisting he did not force the woman into sex. The jury found him guilty of raping the woman on two occasions between July 1, 2003, and May 26, 2005, at various addresses in Midlothian. He was also convicted of repeatedly physically assaulting her between March 3, 2000, and May 26, 2005, in Edinburgh, Midlothian, and Fort William.
Judge Lord Mulholland deferred sentencing for reports and warned Greens that 'all options remain open,' including the possibility of an Order for Lifelong Restriction, which could mean he is never released. Greens was remanded in custody.
Details of the Attacks
The indictment detailed that the rape involved the woman being grabbed and her hands pinned above her head. The assaults included Greens repeatedly punching the victim, hitting and pushing her, sitting on top of her, and choking her until she lost consciousness. The woman was described as having 'suspicious, unexplained' bruises, and she spoke of frequent violence and episodes of unwanted sex.
Prosecutor Chris Jones told jurors that the offences against the trial victim were close in time to the Rosslyn Chapel rape. Greens was also said to have admitted to another person that he had hit the woman.
Greens' Testimony
In court, Greens told his KC Richard Goddard: 'I pled guilty because I deserved to take the punishment for the crime that I committed. I deserved the time that I got.' When asked if he had reflected on his actions, an emotional Greens added: 'I am disgusted with myself. I have seen the reaction in people's faces. I hurt an innocent woman. I deserved the sentence. When I went to prison, I threw myself into every programme offered. I am sorry.'
However, he denied the latest allegations, saying they 'did not happen.' He insisted the woman was never 'unwilling' to have sex with him, but added: 'If there were occasions that she did not [consent] to, I would have to accept that.' Greens claimed he was in a 'bad place' at the time of the Rosslyn Chapel rape and acknowledged he could have a 'temper,' but maintained he 'would never do that' to the trial victim.
Background and Impact
The Rosslyn Chapel attack in May 2005 shocked the country. The Dutch student was left so badly injured that a witness thought she had been in a car accident. Greens' crimes have now spanned over two decades, and the judge has ordered a risk assessment to determine the danger he poses to the public. The deferred sentencing hearing is expected in August.
