Automatism

Question 1

Bratty v AG

Answer 1

‘Any act done by the muscles without the control of the mind such as a spasm, reflex action or convulsion or an act done by a person if not unconscious of what he is doing.’

Question 2

Hill v Baxter

Answer 2

Suggested that being attacked by a swarm of bees would amount to automatism

Question 3

R v Whooley

Answer 3

Sneezing fit could amount to automatism

Question 4

AG no.2 1992

Answer 4

Confirmed that driving without awareness but still being able to steer and operate pedals didn’t amount to automatism as there wasn’t a total loss of control

Question 5

R v Bailey

Answer 5

If D was reckless unlikely to be able to plead automatism