If this is contempt of court then the law’s an ass, says Naked Rambler

THE self-styled Naked Rambler told a court on Friday that he will never put on clothes because nudity gives him “freedom”.

Stephen Gough, 53, appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court charged with breach of the peace by conducting himself in a disorderly manner and walking naked in a public place.

It is claimed that Gough, a former Royal Marine, refused to put on clothes or walk away from a children’s play park near Dunfermline last month.

The alleged incident took place less than a week after Gough had been released from Perth prison where he spent six years for appearing naked in public.

In court, Gough, who made his name in 2003 by walking naked from Land’s End to John O’Groats, told Sheriff Richard McFarlane that he would “absolutely not” put clothes on as he was “dressed appropriately” wearing nothing at all.

He entered the court naked, apart from brown walking boots and a pair of white socks, and was led to the dock where he sat down on a white bath towel.

Sheriff McFarlane said to Gough: “You appear unclothed. Is there a reason for that? Can you tell me what that might be?”

Gough replied: “Freedom.”

Sheriff McFarlane told Gough, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, that his appearance was not appropriate for a court of law, and that it could be construed as

contempt.

The sheriff added: “There are standards that need to be adhered to and that does not meet those. How you have entered could be a contempt of court.”

Gough said: “I think I am dressed appropriately.”

The sheriff replied: “You’re not dressed at all.”

But Gough insisted: “And I think that is appropriate.”

Sheriff McFarlane asked Gough if he would reconsider his position, but Gough refused to change his stance, adding: “I will not put clothes on, absolutely not.”

Depute fiscal Brian Robertson said that he would not take action in the contempt matter, leaving the matter to the sheriff instead.

Sheriff McFarlane asked Gough if he would like to see a lawyer, in light of the contempt matters. But the rambler insisted he did not need to see a lawyer, and was sticking to his plea of not guilty.

It is alleged that on 20 July at Cairncubie Road in Townhill, Dunfermline, he committed a breach of the peace. It is claimed that he was close to a children’s play park at the time, and refused to put on clothing or move away from the park.

Gough then asked to see the statements of all the witnesses for the trial, and asked Mr Robertson if he could tell him who the police witnesses were.

Gough said: “I have had solicitors before and have not been satisfied with them, so I am representing myself. I am ready for trial.”

Sheriff McFarlane said the case would continue to trial on

23 August. Gough did not apply for bail.

The sheriff concluded by saying: “I do ask you that you reconsider how you dress for the next occasion when you are brought to the court building as you could be, as you are today, in contempt of court.”

Gough had been spoken to by Tayside Police when he was released from Perth Prison in July, but allowed to go on his way in an apparent shift in force policy.

Gough, who has received 17 convictions in 10 years, gained notoriety during his naked walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 2003.

He went on to be arrested and jailed on a number of occasions for walking naked, and refusing to get dressed in court.

His former partner, Alison Ward, 47, who lived with Gough and their two children, Yarin, 14, and Kiana, 16, in Vancouver, said it was “really disappointing” for her and the children that they would not be able to see him.