UK's "naked rambler" Stephen Gough arrested for nudity, again

Stephen Gough, who is known as the "naked rambler," makes his way south through Peebles in the Scottish Borders, following his release from Saughton Prison yesterday after serving his latest sentence on October 6, 2012 in Peebles, Scotland. / Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

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 offense 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. Defense 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 behavior 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 Behavior Order.

Last year, the Guardian reported that officials requested mental health checks on Gough after the naked man broke down in court.

"There's nothing about me as a human being that is indecent or alarming or offensive," Gough said at the time. "That's where I'm coming from, which is deep inside."

[Cook005]

Why has he caused much offence nation wide? The naked body is a natural thing. In so many other countries people will walk around nude or swim nude. And no body will batt an eye lid. Don't you remember when you were younger and you used to play naked or topless in the paddling pool? How is that any different, it shouldn't be, are bodies get older and more mature. If anything saying that it fine when your younger is agism. Also I'm fed up with how british society associates nudity with sex! Being naked doesn't mean sex! I'm an artistic nude model that doesn't mean that every time I pose they are wanting to have sex with me. If it was a girl walking around naked from NUTS magazine I bet this would be a completely different story! You could see it now "hot girl forges around nature" Nudity is natural and to all the people saying he deserves to be locked away in a metal institute or executed! I think you guys are maybe the ones who are mentally ill and should be locked away if you can't seem to understand whats really natural in this world! Also will we eventually be classifying people as mentally ill when there not wearing make up as this is natural!

[sarababe5564]

Enjoy life by being natural. nudistsocialclub.c0m is a place where individuals can relax, be at ease and develop an acceptance of the natural human form. Challenge yourself by trying the nudist lifestyle.

[hemusbull]

I don't think he accept he leaves within the society...Well, he feels it at certain times up to certain degrees. I'm wondering does he attend the court just with socks and boots? Funny guy, difficult to diagnose him fit...for mental institution!

[cookiemonstersmom]

Gosh, I'd think those straps would be painful against his bare skin!

[bsrasmus1]

He should put some pants on.

[MeanderingJim]

Are we really that offended by what a human being looks like? Nudity per se in public is legal in England.

The UK would be far better off promoting him. Agree with him or not, he's an excellent example of determination, belief in principle, and hardy resourcefulness...all as deeply British as the James Bond in current ads. He might even attract some German ramblers; perhaps make a tie-in to the recently opened Full Monty play...all useful, in face of the deleterious effects of austerity on the 2013 economy predicted in the latest Economist.

[nohater]

might believe his position if he wore no socks, shoes, hat. can understand the backpack to carry food and water but that's all that should be in it. wonder what he sleeps with when it's cold. obviously he's lost his mind and should be locked up for life or executed. if it were my call, he would be locked up for life in a mental institution but if none available then he would be executed. fortunately for him, not my call.

[EveryWord]

You should be executed for being so effing stupid

[odin0]

I think he is sicked. Well, why he wears shoe, hat and backpack, he challenges the society in the name of his rights. Let him stay in forest without any modern equipment to survive. His place in the society will be very hard to find.

[BigBlivefromny]

Who is this guy hurting really except the sensibilities of prudish people. Just don't look at his 'package' if you don't want to see it...and i think children are harmed a million times more every time they watch a tv show or movie where they see people violently killed, raped, and murdered!! If the guy isn't stickin his wang in anyones face or snatching children and molesting them who cares. let him be and stop acting like brain washed fools of society. Obviously some want to look and are embarassed by their own desires. He is just walking....nothing more.

[savvyheat]

Here's the problem,,, Man lives in society. There are children in society, and others who have no business seeing this guys package. I say if he REALLY wants to be left alone to saunter around naked 24 hours a day, hey go for it. Just do it someplace remote and devoid of humanity.

[[e-mail]]

Here's the problem ... Everyone is naked, when they are born, when they shower/bathe, and under their clothes all the time. Why are we, as society, forced to believe certain ... and only certain, parts of our bodies are shameful, dirty or disgusting?

These are the same parts that are used to Create and Nurture LIFE!

The same parts that TV, Movies, advertisements and Art celebrate.

It appears that the answer is - that you are allowed to show these parts, if you are, in societies eyes, pretty enough, sexy enough, or powerful enough to be allowed.

In my opinion it is that faceless "society" that is evil.

Sex sells, normal human bodies are disgusting is exactly the wrong message to send to our children.