The naked rambler -is this tragedy or farce?

[humbersloop]

http://www.guardian.c.../naked-rambler-prison

And given it costs about forty grand a year to keep someone in prison, is it a sensible way to respond to this situation?

[sunny-dave]

Sad more than anything - he's no threat to anything other than the puffed up dignity of a bunch of humourless, self-important magistrates.

Equally his utter intransigence is beyond any understanding.

Release him quietly, deny him the oxygen of publicity by doing it unexpectedly so he cannot alert the press, and we can all just get on with our lives ... ?

[wolf63]

Yikes - he is currently living quite near me - maybe a mile away. Very strange gentleman.

[jackthehat]

I rather think that if he were to walk through my town, upon first seeing him, I would be a bit discombobulated.......because we, as a society, are not used to seeing people in a state of complete undress, except in certain *agreed* circumstances.

However, I do have a sneaking regard for his points of view. He is harmless and the sight of a naked body is *not* an outrage per se.

He should be released and allowed to carry out his final walk back to his home, quietly and without intrusion. It is a nonsense that a much needed prison-cell is being taken up by an individual who is no threat, whatsoever, to the public.

[mrs_overall]

humber, there is a nuddy beach near Brid. Anyone can go on the beach. I can't see the difference between those nekkid on a beach and this man being nekkid on his hikes.
As has been said, he seems like a self publicist and this will give him the publicity he desires.
Plus, it is a waste of public funds keeping him in prison.

[seadogg]

There was an unofficial one at Cayton Bay Mrs O and nobody was that bothered (except the Council). Having taken my kit off only in warmer climes I admire these guys lol.

The only reason I can see for incarcerating this guy is for his own safety. There are nasty people about who would cause him bodily harm. Unfortunately he has chosen to go against the mores of society in a fairly obvious way so the charade has to be gone through

[mrs_overall]

Warmer climes seadogg? Do you mean Skegness?

[seadogg]

Thereby hangs a tale!

[whiskeryron]

I found the newspaper article quite moving & I think that the whole thing is a travesty of justice, I am quite concerned that this man is incarcerated for absolutely no reason whatsoever, it is my belief that no crime has been committed & as he is not a threat to society he should be released immediately.
Would it be possible to start a petition for his release to be presented to the Prime Minister?

[humbersloop]

Blimey Mrs O & Dogg, I'll get the big binoculars out next time we go past!! Dens of vice...

[mrs_overall]

Humber, the beach near Brid is at Fraisthorpe.

[humbersloop]

Does it still attract a lot of, ahem, birdwatchers Mrs O

There is something a bit kafkaesque about this though. He'd do less time for a violent offence.

[NOX]

Yeah go on then Ron, if there isn't one already I'll sign yours. I think it's an utter outrage that anyone is locked up for dressing the way they were born.

[daffy654]

I've been on that nudist beach in Brid mrs_o. I was about 13 at the time and my older brother's mates thought it would be funny to strip me naked and throw me in the sea. With hindsight it was an arrestable offence but being a timid little mouse I never told anyone.

[FredPuli43]

Should have stayed in England. The police didn't say so but unless there is a by-law he contravenes, or he exposes himself with intent to insult a female, he's not committing any offence here, as far as I can see. Evidently Scots law is not as accommodating.