Stephen Gough was fined at Southampton Magistrates Court. Photo: Basher Eyre CC-BY-SA-2.0
The Naked Rambler has been fined by a court in Hampshire after he was found guilty of behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Southampton Magistrates heard Stephen Gough, of Eastleigh, caused distress to members of the public by walking unclothed near a school, on public footpaths in the country, in the city centre and in the magistrates court at Basingstoke.
He denied the charges but was found guilty and fined £1,800.
The court waived payment of the fine because of time he spent in custody.
Gough, famous for walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats wearing only his boots and a rucksack, was not allowed to attend the court in person because he refused to put on clothes for the appearance.
His lawyer said he believed he had the right under the Human Rights Act to be naked in public.
Gough has spent most of the past few years in Scottish jails after numerous arrests and convictions north of the border for public nudity.
He remains in custody in England awaiting a further appearance at Southampton Magistrates Court for an alleged breach of an anti-social behaviour order banning him from appearing unclothed in public.
alan
12 May 2013I think to define him as a naturist is totally wrong . Genuine naturists will abide by the law using designated areas ie landed clubs , swims and approved beaches .
To walk naked near a school or for that matter in a town centre is totally wrong. A woman with young children can't tell if that naked man walking towards her is a genuine naturist or some pervert , and in the light of many recent events concerning young children it would be very worrying to see a naked man in this situation.
Stephen Gough should have the sense to realize this and the respect others who do not wish to see him naked , particularly where there are children .
There are places where public nudity is allowed so perhaps he should stick to these places and save himself time spent locked up.
Carrie
14 May 2013yes, agree! he is not a naturist at all!
A nudist is not just someone who walks around naked. Nudism or naturism is a lifestyle. You can find places like nudist camps, beaches and parks, for example. So what is an easier way to meet another nudist? Online. An online dating site offers convenience and a chance to meet someone without resorting to chance. google nudistsocialclub.com to know more about nudism