Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury fails to reach verdict in "sexsomnia" rape trial
Summary
In a Dublin rape case, a 29‑year‑old man claimed he was acting in his sleep, suffering from sexsomnia, when he allegedly raped a friend. He admitted the possibility of sex but maintained the condition. After eight hours and fifteen minutes of deliberation over three days, the jury foreman announced a deadlock, unable to reach a verdict. Justice Patrick McCarthy thanked the jurors and excused them for ten years. The case was adjourned to 28 November, when the prosecution will decide whether to seek another trial. The accused had previously pleaded not guilty to one count of rape at an apartment in Dublin on 28 September 2008. The trial, which lasted four weeks, involved testimony that the accused and victim were childhood friends who attended a career fair, later went to a nightclub, drank, and returned to a friend's house to sleep.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury fails to reach verdict in "sexsomnia" rape trial. Charges or matters: one count of raping the woman at an apartment in Dublin in the early hours of September 28, 2008. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 28 Adjournment
- September 28, 2008 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-11-01 Publication
Why: He went to his GP and a rape crisis centre in order to try and find out what had happened. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of raping the woman at an apartment in Dublin in the early hours of September 28, 2008 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The case was adjourned until November 28 when the prosecution will indicate whether it intends to seek another trial.
Places mentioned
Topics
Pubs And Nightclubs Sexual Offences Stage Trial
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