AS the warm weather returns this weekend, it may seem like the perfect opportunity to strip off in the privacy of your own garden.
But before you decide to don your birthday suit outside, there are some legalities you’ll have to consider.
It’s perfectly legal to sunbathe naked in your own garden Credit: Image Source
With the weekend weather set for highs of 30°C, you might decide that now is the perfect time to get rid of those pesky tan lines.
According to government guidance, being naked within your own garden is perfectly legal.
But this all changes if the intent behind your actions is to harm others.
Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, it is a crime if you intentionally expose yourself to others with the purpose of causing distress and alarm.
If found breaking this law, you may be imprisoned for up to two years, as well as being issued an unlimited fine.
The Crown Prosecution Service adds that a “balance needs to be struck between the right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress”.
In this case, police advise to exercise some caution and discretion when stripping off outside.
This means it’s probably best not to go nude if you have neighbours who can see into your garden – and also rules out sunbathing starkers in your local park.
Your neighbours also have a legal right to complain if they do spot you baring all in the summer sun, which may land you in some hot water with local authorities.
So if you are determined to whip your clothes off at the first sign of good weather, it may be worth investing in tall hedges or .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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