The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Man who walked length of Britain naked jailed again

LONDON - A British man who has spent most of the past decade naked — and in jail — was back behind bars Friday after defying an order to cover up.

Stephen Gough, known as the "Naked Rambler," was arrested Thursday as he left a court in Southampton, southern England, wearing only boots, socks and a knapsack.

A judge had just imposed an order that he must "wear sufficient clothing in public to at least cover his genitalia and buttocks."

The 54-year-old former Royal Marine appeared at the same court Friday, and was ordered detained until a hearing on March 25.

Since 2003 Gough has completed two naked walks the length of Britain, with frequent interruptions for arrests, court appearances and jail time.

Prosecution lawyer Roger Trencher said Friday that Gough "has caused much offence nationwide and he has used a considerable amount of police time in England, Wales and Scotland."

Gough has said he believes nudity is a human right. Defence lawyer Jeffrey Norie-Mille told the court that Gough "believes it is his right not to wear clothes and go about his normal activities in that state of undress."

There is no law in Britain against public nudity. However, there are laws against indecent exposure or behaviour likely to cause "harassment, alarm or distress."

Gough has served multiple sentences for appearing nude in public places including courts and an airplane.

He could face up to five years in jail for breaching the no-nudity command, known as an Anti-Social Behaviour Order.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Andrew Ladd on the Jets' lack of a playoff season

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Susan and Gary Harrisonwalk their dog Emma on a peaceful foggy morning in Assiniboine Park – Standup photo– November 27, 2011   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
  • PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS 070619 LIGHTNING ILLUMINATES AN ABANDONED GRAIN ELEVATOR IN THE VILLAGE OF SANFORD ABOUT 10PM TUESDAY NIGHT AS A LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS PASSED NEAR WINNIPEG JUST TO THE NORTH OF THIS  SITE.

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Are you going to see 100 Masters at the WAG?

View Results

Ads by Google