2003.08.27 The Guardian
The naked rambler has vowed to continue the final leg of his naturist trail across the UK after being released from jail in Inverness yesterday.
Steve Gough said he would finish his walk from Land's End to John O'Groats despite a bail condition requiring him not to commit any more offences.
Describing the bail terms to Mr Gough, the sheriff said: "It is a condition of bail that you do not commit any offences while the subject of the bail order.
"Do you understand that?"
When Gough replied that he did not, Sheriff McFadyen postponed the case until later in the day to allow Mr Gough's solicitor to explain to him what was involved in adhering to bail.
The case was called again after lunch, when Mr Gough told the sheriff he fully understood the conditions. He was then released.
Mr Gough, 44, was remanded in custody last week after being arrested as he walked into Inverness.
It was the former soldier's 11th arrest since he started his jaunt to promote the benefits of naturism, and his third appearance in Scottish courts for having alarmed the public.
Yesterday, Mr Gough pleaded not guilty to breach of the peace and was granted bail.
Speaking, fully clothed, outside the court he said he would take to the road again as soon as possible.
"I am going to continue with my naked walk and the campaign for naturists and human rights.
"I am not breaking the law, in my eyes, and I am innocent until proven guilty. I don't think I am committing any crimes."
Since being remanded at Inverness prison, Mr Gough has continued his protest about the right to be naked in public, and he has refused to wear clothes.
He appeared in court yesterday wrapped in a red jail blanket held around him by a police officer to safeguard the modesty of the court.
