About UPI  |  UPI en Español   |   My Account
Free News Update:
United Press International - News. Analysis. Insight.™ - 100 Years of Journalistic Excellence
  • Home
  • Top News
  • Entertainment
  • Odd News
  • Sports
    • Baseball
    • Football
    • Golf
    • Olympics 2008
    • Tennis
  • Business
  • Science
  • Health
  • Analysis
    • Energy Resources
    • Security Industry
    • Emerging Threats
  • Video
  • News Photos
Search:
Go
You are here:  Home / Top News / Court upholds 'sexsomnia' rape defense

Top News

View archive | RSS Feed

Court upholds 'sexsomnia' rape defense

Published: Feb. 8, 2008 at 8:41 AM
Order reprints  |  Print Story  |  Email to a Friend  |  Post a Comment
TORONTO, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- An Ontario appeals court upheld the acquittal of a Toronto man charged with sexual assault while drunk and half-asleep.

The three-judge panel said medical testimony corroborated the defense of Jan Luedecke, 35, although the judges said they might still mandate him to appear before a provincial mental health review board, the National Post reported.

Luedecke was acquitted in November 2005 on grounds of "non-insane automatism," or what became known in legal circles as "sexsomnia."

Luedecke testified he had been drinking heavily for two days when the incident occurred at a Toronto house party in 2003.

The name of the woman who filed charges cannot be published but she testified she and Luedecke were sleeping foot-to-foot on an L-shaped sofa. She awoke to find him on top of her but said he appeared very confused when she pushed him away, the report said.

Ludecke testified he had previously had similar experiences with girlfriends and said the triggers were usually sleep deprivation, stress and alcohol, the newspaper said.



© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
News Photos Slideshows
Photos of the Day
Week in Photos
News
Entertainment
Sports
Features
Archives
Olympics 2008
Path to the Presidency
Most Popular
Stories
Photos
Videos
1.
Hells Angels leader killed in S.F.
2.
Hanna stationary near Grand Turk Islands
3.
State of emergency declared in Bangkok
4.
Bounty hunter doubts Caylee's relatives
5.
Meghan McCain supports Bristol Palin
Path to the Presidency


Videos
Enlarge Video
Delegates' reaction: McCain's speech
Delegates' reaction: McCain's speech
Friday, September 5
Hats off to partying on
Hats off to partying on
Thursday, September 4
McCain set to accept party nomination
McCain set to accept party nomination
Thursday, September 4
Household vampires
Household vampires
Wednesday, August 6
© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Official Government Wires  |   About UPI  |   Site Map  |   Terms of Use  |   Privacy Policy  |   Advertise Online  |   Contact Us

Sponsored Links: Auto Dealers - College Football Tickets - Fundraisers - Press Release Services - prom dresses - Prom dresses and gowns - Wedding and Honeymoon Experts - Motivational Sports Speakers Bureau