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Rape accused had "sexsomnia", sleep doctor tells trial
Summary
In a Dublin rape trial, a 29‑year‑old man pleaded not guilty to raping a female friend in September 2008. A sleep expert, Dr John Michael Shneerson, testified that the accused had been diagnosed with sexsomnia, a sleep disorder involving involuntary sexual activity during non‑REM sleep. He described the man's lack of awareness, memory loss, and remorseful actions after the incident, noting that these are typical of sexsomnia. Dr Shneerson explained that the accused had previous episodes of sexual approaches during sleep, including one with a male friend, and that the alleged rape likely occurred about 90 minutes after he fell asleep, a period when sexsomnia is most common. The court heard that the accused had no conscious control over his actions and that the condition was consistent with the facts presented. The trial proceeded before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Rape accused had "sexsomnia", sleep doctor tells trial. Charges or matters: one count of raping the woman at an apartment in Dublin in the early hours of September 28, 2008. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 28, 2008 Other
- 2016-10-12 Publication
Why: He went to his GP and a rape crisis centre, in order to try and find out what had happened. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of raping the woman at an apartment in Dublin in the early hours of September 28, 2008 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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