Man with sexsomnia' not guilty of raping woman after judge warns jury in Sydney trial
Briefly

Timothy Malcolm Rowland was acquitted of rape charges after claiming he was experiencing an episode of sexsomnia during the incident. The jury's decision came after they sought clarification on the implications of unconsciousness concerning legal liability. Judge John Pickering highlighted the absence of laws regarding sexsomnia, affirming that individuals cannot be held responsible for actions taken while unconscious. The case raised critical questions about consent and legal culpability, underscoring the need for a clear legal framework surrounding medical conditions like sexsomnia.
In this case, the jury faced the complex issue of determining whether Timothy Rowland was asleep or awake during the alleged assault. Given the nature of sexsomnia, it was crucial to explore the boundaries of consent and unconsciousness in the context of the law.
Judge Pickering emphasized the importance of adhering to existing legal frameworks, stating that jurors should not create laws based on their perceptions but instead judge within the rules that currently apply to the case at hand.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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