Naked Rambler loses appeal

SENIOR judges have rejected a human rights appeal by the Naked Rambler over contempt findings against him for refusing to dress for court appearances.

Stephen Gough, 47, claimed he had been denied a fair hearing by an independent tribunal after sheriffs found him guilty of contempt of court.

He also maintained that to appear naked in court was a right guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights under freedom of expression.

But five judges at the Court of Appeal in Edinburgh have rejected his legal challenge.

Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Gill, said: "The appearance of anyone in court naked, whatever crimes that may constitute, is unquestionably a contempt."

Gough, of Eastleigh, in Hampshire, was not brought into court from the cells for the judges to give their ruling in the case.

He has twice walked naked from Land's End to John O'Groats, but his progress was interrupted by a series of arrests.

Gough was found guilty of contempt of court by four different sheriffs at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Two sheriffs jailed him for three months and two months respectively. The other two cases have still to be sentenced.