A NATURIST who cycled naked along Bournemouth seafront last summer was fully dressed when he appeared in court yesterday charged with causing harassment, alarm or distress.

Electrical engineer Richard Collins, 54, from Hardwick, Cambridge, denies committing a public order offence during his nude seven-mile cycle from a friend’s home in Charminster to Sandbanks on June 30.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth magistrates’ court, Simon Jones said: “Cycling in that manner inevitably meant his behaviour would be witnessed by a number of people.”

The court heard how one woman had been alarmed after spotting Collins cycling in the buff in Bingham Road.

Mr Jones added: “He was also seen by elderly members of the public and a young mother with small children who was sufficiently moved to contact the police before losing sight of him.”

Another woman saw Collins as he was about to embark on the Sandbanks chain ferry before making his way to Studland beach.

Mr Jones said: “She was alarmed by what she saw. Mr Collins was arrested after putting on a denim mini shirt.

“He told police he had been a naturist for the last 30 years. There was no issue that he had ridden naked that day with two fully clothed friends who cycled behind him, significantly to gauge people’s responses.

“The prosecution submits that the defendant was clearly aware that his behaviour was considered insulting or disorderly.”

Father-of-two Collins, nicknamed “the Cambridge Nude Cyclist”, began cycling naked in the countryside around his Cambridgeshire home in 2002 and has promoted naturism for years.

Giving evidence in shorts, a grey top and training shoes, after changing from green tracksuit bottoms, Collins, who has organised naked picnics in London’s Hyde Park and naturist walks, said: “The bike ride was a celebration of life.

“I’ve always been one to want to push the boundaries; I don’t want to be stuck behind high hedges and fences.

“I want freedom to enjoy life. For me nudity is just another form of dress; I’m more happy not to wear clothes.”

He added: “Nudity seems to be absolutely fine in Cambridge. I’ve been naked in pubs and pub gardens without any problem. There’s nearly always a positive reaction from the public. The majority of responses are amusement and delight. I didn’t anticipate any adverse response.

“It was a beach day. My intention was to go to the naturist beach and spend the day there. Instead I spent 12 hours in a police cell.”

The trial continues.