R v T [1990] Crim LR 256

T took part in a robbery and was charged with robbery and causing ABH. She raised the defence of automatism since at the time of the offence she was in a dissociative state, suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by the external factor of rape.

Held:

The rape constituted an external factor and therefore the non-insane automatism was open to the jury despite the fact that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is generally perceived as being a condition of the mind.

Back to lecture outline on non-insane automatism