Automatism - Invol Msl

Question 1

Bratty v A-G NI

Answer 1

Cause of involuntary act must be EXTERNAL (D strangled and killed V whilst having psychotic epilepsy)

Question 2

Hill v Baxter

Answer 2

External Cause (D charged with dangerous driving but claimed he blacked out)

Question 3

Quick

Answer 3

External Cause (D suffered diabetes, took insulin but failed to eat and attacked a patient - defence allowed as external cause)

Question 4

A-G ref (no.2 1992)

Answer 4

Total Loss of control (D drove into a lorry and claimed trance state - no defence as still partly in control)

Question 5

Bailey

Answer 5

Self-induced automatism - Specific intent offence, Yes if no MR (D suffered diabetes but didn’t take enough insulin and attacked V with iron bar)

Question 6

Hardie

Answer 6

Self-induced automatism - Basin intent offence w/ intoxication No unless D unaware of effects (D’s girlfriend gave him Valium, and set fire to wardrobe)