Judges turn down appeal by Rambler

Published on Thursday 8 November 2007 12:05

SENIOR judges have rejected a human rights appeal by the Naked Rambler over contempt findings against him for refusing to dress for court appearances.

Stephen Gough claimed he had been denied a fair hearing after sheriffs found him guilty of contempt of court.

He also maintained that to appear naked in court was a right guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights.

But five judges at the Court of Appeal in Edinburgh disagreed.

Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Gill, said: "The appearance of anyone in court naked, whatever crimes that may constitute, is unquestionably a contempt."

Gough, 47, of Eastleigh, Hampshire, who was not brought into court for the judges' ruling, has twice walked naked from Land's End to John O'Groats, interrupted by a series of arrests.

He was found guilty of contempt of court by four sheriffs at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Two jailed him for three months and two months respectively. Two cases have still to be sentenced.