No case to answer for naked man on beach

A man who admitted walking naked along a beach with a bag containing "male sex toys" has walked free from court. Derek Holliday, 58 was arrested after a woman reported seeing a naked man close to a popular caravan park near Elie in Fife. But Cupar Sheriff court heard the incident happened near an area which was used by nudists and naturists.

Alison Marshall, a 46-year-old housewife, said she was at Shell Bay Caravan Park in September 2008 when she spotted a naked man much nearer the caravan park than she had been led to believe nudists were to be expected. She said he stared at her and she "froze" before going back to her caravan to call the police.

PC David Peacock said he spotted Mr Holliday as he walked up from the beach, by now wearing shorts, and carrying a canvas holdall containing binoculars, a thong and "male sexual items".



Mr Holliday was arrested and told police he had seen a woman as he was walking naked and "stopped to look at the ships and seals". He added that at no point had he approached or followed anyone and denied conducting himself in a disorderly manner by parading naked in front of Mrs Marshall.

Sheriff Charlie Macnair ruled that Mr Holliday was eccentric but not a criminal. He ruled that Mr Holliday had no case to answer and found him not guilty.

Outside court Mr Holliday said he felt vindicated. He said: "The sheriff has effectively said what I was saying all along."