Naked Rambler still bearing strong grievance

Published on Friday 9 November 2007 12:01

THE Naked Rambler has again refused to put clothes on for a court appearance - a day after senior judges ruled that human rights law did not entitle him to appear naked in court.

Stephen Gough was not brought into the dock from cells at Edinburgh Sheriff Court because he would not get dressed.

It was left to his defence agent, John Goode, to enter a not guilty plea in advance of his trial next week.

Gough, of Eastleigh in Hampshire, is charged with committing a breach of the peace by being naked in a public place at St Leonard's Hill in Edinburgh on October 15.

Yesterday, five judges at the Court of Appeal in Edinburgh rejected Gough's appeal against contempt findings.

Gough, 47, claimed he had been denied a fair hearing by an independent tribunal after sheriffs held him in contempt of court for appearing naked.

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

The Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Gill, said: "If he seeks to express the view that an individual has the right to be naked at all times and in all places, there is nothing to prevent his doing so orally or in writing, while remaining properly dressed."

He added: "The court is entitled to enforce standards of decency and decorum in the dress and demeanour of those who appear before it."