Automatism

• 3 elements

  1. Actions are involuntary

  2. Involuntary actions caused by external factors

  3. Not self induced
• definition

  act that is done by muscles without control over the mind (Hill V Baxter) -> bratty v AG
• involuntary actions

  Broome v Perkin -no defense as steered car (killed 2)
• involuntary actions

  Attorney General rf2 1993

  Lord Taylor CJ- 'required total destruction of voluntary control on the defendants part'
• external factor (bees)

  Hill v Baxter
• external factor (sneezing)

  R v Wooley
• Automatism diabetes

  R v Quick - took insulin, didn't eat, consumed alcohol
• external factor (PTSD)

  R v T - involved in robbery after being raped, caused dream like state
• self induced (diabetic)

  R v Bailey- did not take steps to resolve diabetes symptoms and attacked ex girlfriends boyfriend
• Basic intent

  Griffith LJ - whether prosecution have necessary element of recklessness