'Naked Rambler' Jailed

The man known as the Naked Rambler was jailed for five months for a breach of the peace today (13th September) after he told a court he wouldn't co-operate with social workers assessing his mental health.

Stephen Gough, 53, who has spent much of the past six years in prison for similar offences, was convicted of the charge last month after walking naked near a children's play park in Dunfermline, Fife, on July 20.

The incident took place three days after Gough, a well-known campaigner for his right to appear nude in public, was released from prison in Perth. 

The former Marine, from Eastleigh was sentenced at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, where he appeared naked in the dock and represented himself. 

Sheriff James Williamson had expressed his concern at a previous hearing about the accused's demeanour and ordered social workers to produce a report assessing Gough's emotional and mental health. But the sheriff today told the rambler he had ``no alternative'' but to impose another custodial sentence after Gough refused to meet the officials and indicated he has no intention of doing so in the future.