November 12, 2007 | Funny Bits

Man wants to be naked for trial

Stephen Gough, of Eastleigh in Hampshire, is better known in the Scottish media as the Naked Rambler for his preference of hiking through the countryside nude. He's been arrested twice for disturbing the peace, but has yet to be tried because he refuses to dress nicely for court. In fact, he refuses to dress at all!

Gough claims he is simply exercising his freedom of expression as guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Gill, argued: “If he seeks to express the view that an individual has the right to be naked at all times and in all places, there is nothing to prevent his doing so orally or in writing while remaining properly dressed."

The judges are also uncomfortable with the accused pointing at them throughout the trial.