'Naked Rambler' jailed after snubbing offer to get home
Published 13 Sep 2012 14:30
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'Naked Rambler' Stephen Gough has been jailed again, this time for five months following his arrest at Townhill.
Gough appeared naked in the dock for sentencing at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court this morning.
His appearance startled members of the public waiting for trials with one woman walking out and a man covering the eyes of a female sitting in front of him.
Gough clashed with Sheriff James Williamson when he refused to sit down and proceedings were brought to a halt.
Gough again protested that he wanted to be "treated like another one else" when he was brought back into the court where a blanket had been placed in the dock for him to sit on.
However, Sheriff Williamson warned him that he would re-convene the court down in the cells if he refused to remain seated.
Gough had been found guilty last month of committing a breach of the peace in Townhill.
The sheriff had deferred sentencing for reports but Gough had refused to co-operate with social workers.
He was given another chance to agree to co-operate in the writing of a report but again he refused.
The sheriff said in the circumstances he had no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence.
Depute fiscal Brian Robertson had apparently irritated the sheriff earlier by giving a summary of Gough's previous behaviour.
"He is originally from Hampshire but has spent most of the last nine years in Scotland," said the fiscal.
He went on explain that when Gough was released from jail in 2006 he returned to Hampshire for a time but later boarded a plane to Scotland from Southampton fully clothed. During the flight he took off his clothes and left the plane naked.
Mr Robertson said the "authorities are prepared to facilitate his return home".
The sheriff asked "what would that mean?" but the fiscal was unable to add further details of the plans.
He related how police had offered to transport Gough to Yorkshire when he was leaving prison in Edinburgh in 2007.
However, after initially agreeing to this, Gough changed his mind, started walking in the direction of a primary school and was arrested again.
After the break caused by Gough refusing to sit down, proceedings re-started after ten minutes and the sheriff explained why he wanted him to remain seated.
"There are members of the public present and they expect a degree of respect and decorum in court," said Sheriff Williamson.
He told Gough, "You were indulged by the authorities and the police." He continued that when Gough was approaching the play park in Townhill he was given the options of changing direction, covering his private parts or being driven by the police past the park but he refused all three.
"That shows a degree of arrogance and disregard for the rights of other people and in particular children who have the right not to see a naked man."
The sheriff added that Gough's self-indulgence had continued with his behaviour in court.
The five month jail term was backdated to 23rd July when Gough was taken into custody.
After the sentencing a Crown Office spokesperson said, "The actions of the accused made his arrest and prosecution necessary.
"Mr Gough intentionally caused shock and alarm to children and their parents. The evidence in this case clearly established that despite repeated police requests not to do so, he was determined to deliberately walk naked past a busy children's play-park in Fife.
"He knew that in doing so he would provoke anger and upset. The sheriff held that his conduct constituted the crime of breach of the peace.
"It is important to note the efforts made by law enforcement to prevent the commission of further offences by Mr Gough.
"For example on release from HMP Edinburgh in 2007, police officers offered to take Gough to an address of his choosing in Yorkshire. Although he originally agreed to go with them he changed his mind and attempted to walk from the prison along the A71 when he was arrested again.
"The authorities are prepared to facilitate his return home providing his behaviour does not as in the current case cause public alarm and necessitate arrest to protect the public."
This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 13 Sep 12
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******
Sep 14, 08:17
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redrobin
285 posts
Sep 14, 10:53
Report commentjolly molly WOW!..well said well said!...He knows exactly what he is doing wants a bed and a wash for the night at taxpayers expense...tell u what u hold the bricks and I'll do the rest1
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Yes 13
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stormxxx
132 posts
Sep 16, 02:35
Report comment@jollymolly...This is pretty much getting very boring now and it's a thought to what goes on in his head but how on earth is 'castrating' him goin to make a difference to him walkin around with no clothes on?
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******
Sep 17, 08:15
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SmarmyGit
316 posts
Sep 20, 10:51
Report commentGood grief, was that last comment really that bad that it had to be taken off the webite? No, but i see the one at the top is still there advocating that we 'castrate' him.......
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