To prohibit the defence of sleepwalking in proceedings relating to the offence of rape; and for connected purposes
The Bill would amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 so that the defence of sleepwalking or non-insane automatism could not be used by defendants in rape cases.
House of Commons
30 October 2008
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This Bill would stop defendants in rape trials from using sleepwalking or non-insane automatism as a defence. It amends the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to remove this possible defence specifically in rape cases, helping to ensure accountability for sexual offences.
The Bill is at the 2nd reading stage in the House of Commons and is in the early stages of passage.
Generated 21 February 2026
15 Oct 2008
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
