A MAN who was facing trial after walking through the streets of the town centre naked, has been arrested again - after turning up at court in Southampton starkers.

Steve Gough, 43, of Chamberlayne Road, Eastleigh, was due to appear before magistrates this morning, charged with disorderly behaviour following his alleged naked protest in the town in August.

But the unemployed father-of-two cycled into Rockstone Place next to the city's magistrates' court at 9.20am again wearing nothing except a woolly hat and a pair of sandals. The temperature was a chilly 6 degrees Centigrade (43F).

Officers quickly pounced on Gough, arrested him and placed him in a police van parked in The Avenue before taking him to Southampton Central Police Station for questioning.

Police have confirmed that Gough would not appear for his trial at court today and the case will be postponed.

A spokesman told the Daily Echo he will instead be helping officers with inquiries after being charged with indecent exposure.

One eye-witness who saw Gough, who is campaigning for the right to walk naked in public, said: "I have never seen anything like it.

"He got off his bicycle and was standing stark naked with a big grin on his face before being collared by the police."

Gough was arrested in Eastleigh on August 7 after he allegedly took a brisk walk through the streets and past the local police station wearing only sunglasses and carrying a rucksack.