Non-insane Automatism

Question 1

To use non insane automatism as a defence, D must….

Answer 1

Have a defect of reason - COMPLETE LOSS of the power of reasoning - QUICK

The defect has an EXTERNAL CAUSE - QUICK
Lord denning “No act is punishable if it is done involuntarily spasm or reflex action” - BRATTY

Question 2

Limits on the defence

Answer 2

D must have no control over his actions - BROOME V PERKINS

Question 3

Self induced automatism

Answer 3

Not available even where D is suffering from HYPOGLYCAEMIA if it’s D’s fault that he is in such condition KNOWING this might lead to aggressive, unpredictable and uncontrollable conduct.

Contrast this with HARDIE.