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
Rape (Defences) Bill would stop defendants in rape trials from using sleepwalking or other non-insane automatism as a defence. It would achieve this by amending the Sexual Offences Act 2003 so that such a defence cannot be used in rape cases. The aim is to close a potential loophole and strengthen accountability in prosecutions.
Currently at the 2nd reading in the Commons; if it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny and possible amendments.
Generated 21 February 2026
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
