(576)  NAKED RAMBLER BROUGHT TO EARTH

After his air strip on 18 May 2006 (see No 557), Steve Gough, the Naked Rambler, was convicted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court of breach of the peace and public indecency on 23 June, and sentenced to four months within the solid walls and grounds of Saughton prison.  As usual Gough declined to dress for his court appearance.  The evidence led showed that he had spent 20 minutes or so in the plane toilet, causing a stewardess to start getting worried, before emerging in all his glory; and that while some passengers had smiled or giggled, and taken photographs with their mobile phones, others had appeared surprised or shocked by his sudden appearance.  Released on 19 July, Gough attempted to leave prison naked and was re-arrested.  On 25 August he was sentenced to a further seven months in prison.