Rambler appears in court - in the nude

Jul 3 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A FORMER Marine, dubbed ‘The Naked Rambler,’ was allowed to appear at Perth Sheriff Court yesterday afternoon without any clothes.

But 50-year-old Stephen Gough was warned by Sheriff Michael Fletcher that he would have to cover up when he faces trial later this month on a breach of the peace charge.

Gough, of Chamberlayne Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, denied that on June 18, in Perth’s Edinburgh Road, he walked naked in a public place.

The charge also alleges that he refused to wear any clothes when asked to do so and indicated that he had no intention of wearing any.

Sheriff Michael Fletcher ruled on June 19 that it would be too disruptive to allow the accused to appear naked in open court.

While he remained in the cells, he was represented by solicitor Billy Sommerville.

But Gough represented himself at yesterday’s brief hearing and the court was temporarily closed to the public.

When asked to confirm his plea, Gough said “not guilty” and told the sheriff he would be conducting the trial himself.

Asked if he was ready to proceed to trial, he replied: “As ready as I can be.”

Depute fiscal Janine Bates said the Crown have two police witnesses and were ready to proceed to trial.

Sheriff Fletcher told him: “The trial will take place here on July 16.”

But he added: “You will not be allowed to attend without covering yourself. Do you understand that?”

Gough stated: “I do. It seems to be different every time.”

Sheriff Fletcher said: “I have just told you what it will be this time,” to which the accused replied: “That’s news to me.”

Telling him that he “better take that on board,” Gough was remanded in custody meantime.

There is provision under the 1995 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act for the court to hear and dispose of the case in the accused’s absence.