If successful gives the
special verdict - not
guilty by reason of
insanity and an acquittal
Burden of proof is on
the prosecution to
disprove it beyond
reasonable doubt
D must have no voluntary
control over his actions:
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S
REFERENCE (NO.2 OF 1992)
(1993)
D's automatic state
must be caused by an
external factor
Blow to the head
Sneezing
Effect of a drug:
QUICK
Self-induced automatism
D knows his conduct is
likely to bring on an
automatic state: BAILEY
Can be a defence to
specific intent crime if D
lacked the mens rea
If the offence is basic intent
If D has been reckless
getting into an automatic
state, self induced
automatism cannot be a
defence
Where the delf-induced
automatic state is caused by
voluntary intoxication, D
cannot use the defence of
automatism: DPP v MAJEWSKI
Where D does not know that his
actions are likely to lead to a
self-induced automatic state in
which he may commit an offence, he
has not been reckless and can use
the defence of automatism: HARDIE