Automatism

• Bratty v AG ref for Northern Ireland


  Lord Denning defined Automatism as an act done by the muscles without any control by the mind
• 1. AG ref No.2 1992


  If D is able to exercise some control, automatism is not a defence
• 2. R v Quick


  taking insulin is considered an external factor
• 2. Hill v Baxter


  being attacked by a swarm of bees can arise automatism
• 2. R v T


  External stresses can give rise to automatism if severe enough
• 3. R v Lipman


  the defence of automatism cannot be relied upon if self-induced
• 3. R v Bailey


  not a defence as the automatism was self-induced
• 3. R v Hardie


  D not liable for criminal damage as a distinction was made between drugs that clam and those that cause unpredictable or aggressive behaviour