Cops nab naked couple

2005-09-02 22:28

London - A couple attempting to walk the length of Britain in the nude were due to appear in court on Friday after being grabbed by police south of Edinburgh following a complaint by a member of the public.

So-called "Naked Rambler" Stephen Gough, 46, and his girlfriend, Melanie Roberts, 34, were arrested for an alleged breach of the peace on Thursday.

Public nudity is illegal in Britain, but that has not stopped Gough attempting a second trek wearing nothing but boots, a hat and a rucksack.

The former Royal Marine walked the 1 363km length of Britain from Land's End in southwest England to John O'Groats on the northeast tip of Scotland in 2003-'04.

He was arrested 14 times and served two jail terms during the trip.

The couple, from Bournemouth on the southern English coast, were due to appear at Edinburgh sheriff court in Scotland.

A police spokesperson said: "We received a call regarding a naked male and female walking along the Roslin North Road towards Bilston in Midlothian, wearing backpacks.

"They were apparently being followed by a camera crew.

"They were detained in custody to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today."

- AFP