Stephen Gough – also known as ‘the Naked Rambler’ – is believed to have made history yesterday when he appeared nude before the Court of Appeal. Mr Gough was challenging his conviction for breaching the order that banned him from being naked in public. He also appealed the custodial sentence that had been given to him.
Mr Gough appeared via video link from Winchester prison where he is currently serving a two and a half year sentence. Unfortunately for Mr Gough his appeal for both his conviction and sentence were unsuccessful.
It is believed he is the first person ever to have appeared before the Court of Appeal naked.
Although Mr Gough appeared ‘in his natural state’ (as he put it) some will be relieved to know that he was sat at a table for the duration of his appearance.
Gough has spent the last 8 years in and out of prison for various related offences. It really is quite astounding to think how far he is prepared to go in order to express his belief that it is his human right to be naked in public.
At Ben Hoare Bell requests to appear in court naked are few and far between. However that might be down to the North East weather rather than the beliefs of our clients.
Blog by Rachel Floyd