Naked Rambler faces court over breach of peace (From Daily Echo)

Naked Rambler faces court over breach of peace

6:01am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News

The Hampshire man dubbed the Naked Rambler is due in court for sentencing today after being convicted of a breach of the peace.

Stephen Gough, 53, who has spent much of the past six years in prison on similar charges, was found guilty last month after walking unclothed near a children's play park in Dunfermline, Fife, on July 20.

The incident took place three days after Gough, a long-standing campaigner for his right to appear nude in public, was released from prison in Perth.

The former Marine from Eastleigh ,  is expected to appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court today.

During a two-hour trial before Sheriff James Williamson three weeks ago, Gough sat naked in the dock and represented himself.

He denied conducting himself in a disorderly manner and committing a breach of the peace by walking naked in Dunfermline's Cairncubie Road, arguing there is nothing about him that was indecent, alarming or offensive.

He appeared tearful at points during the hearing when witnesses recalled their shock and discomfort upon seeing the nude man in their community.

The sheriff, who expressed his concern about the accused's demeanour, ordered social workers to produce a report, ahead of sentencing, assessing Gough's emotional and mental health.

He warned the rambler - who said he has no intention of changing his ways and donning clothes in public - that he could ''end up serving prison sentence after prison sentence''.

The sheriff said: ''There were certain points in your evidence, certain points in your summing-up, where I was a bit concerned about your emotional behaviour.

''I was a bit concerned as to whether or not you were in control of yourself.''

Gough was remanded in custody ahead of today's hearing.