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Stephen GoughFormer Marine, activist
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Former Marine, activist
- The Naked Walk
- Arrests and Imprisonment
- Continued Arrests
- Final Imprisonment
- Current Situation
Former Marine, activist
Stephen Gough, a former British Marine and now a civil activist, gained fame in 2003 by walking naked across Great Britain. In 2005, he attempted to repeat this feat but was arrested in England and Scotland. Gough spent 6 years in prison for repeatedly appearing naked in public places.
The Naked Walk
Gough's famous "naked walk" from Land's End to John o' Groats began in 2003. Throughout the journey, he wore only socks, boots, a backpack, and occasionally a hat. Prior to embarking on this unusual adventure, Gough quit his job as a taxi driver.
Arrests and Imprisonment
In 2005, Gough embarked on the same route with his girlfriend, Melanie Roberts. He was arrested twice in England, but quickly released. However, in Scotland, the number of arrests increased significantly, and Gough was imprisoned more than 20 times. He served a three-month sentence for appearing naked in court. After being released, Gough continued towards his final destination, with only 8 days left to complete the journey. On February 20, 2006, Gough "finished" his walk, but on May 19, 2006, he was arrested again. This time, he was sentenced to 7 months in prison for refusing to wear clothes during a flight from Southampton to Edinburgh. Gough appeared before the court on April 9, 2007, accused of exposing himself in a car park near the Edinburgh prison. However, the judge found no grounds for concern in Gough's behavior. In November 2007, Gough lost his appeal and was imprisoned for an additional 3 months for his previous offense of exposing himself in court. In January 2008, he was informed that wearing clothes for just 3 months would guarantee his freedom. Unfortunately, Gough lasted only 2 hours before being arrested again, this time naked, outside the courtroom.
Continued Arrests
On October 14, 2008, Gough was released from prison, only to be arrested again for leaving the prison naked. On November 14, Gough was acquitted, but shortly after, he was arrested for appearing naked first at the docks and then at the Glasgow Sheriff Court. On December 18, Gough was sentenced to an additional 12 months in prison. In July 2009, he was caught naked at the docks once again. By this time, authorities had spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on prosecuting Gough. Despite numerous opportunities for compromise, Gough persisted in his naked appearances. His freedom lasted only 30 seconds before he was arrested again.
Final Imprisonment
Gough earned his next sentence, initially requested as a record-breaking 21 months, on February 8, 2010, when he appeared naked in court. On November 25, 2010, Gough was finally convicted, receiving a total sentence of 15 months and 26 days. He spent the entire time in solitary confinement. Gough was released on July 20, 2011, but wore an Adam costume, which resulted in an additional 657 days of imprisonment.
Current Situation
On July 17, 2012, Gough was released from prison once more. As usual, he left the prison naked, but this time he was not detained. However, on July 20, he was arrested in Townhill, just three days after his release. At present, Gough faces another sentence, but for now, he is out on bail and continues his journey south.
