Accused in assault case says he has sexsomnia
A man accused of the sexual assault of his female cousin has told his trial he has a condition described as "sexsomnia".
The 26-year-old man said he recognised the symptoms when he watched a TV documentary about the condition which showed sufferers sexually assaulting and beating up their partners while asleep.
It is alleged that on the night of August 11, 2009, while sleeping in his cousin's flat in Dublin the accused got into her bed, pulled her pyjamas down and ejaculated on her.
The man has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of sexual assault.
Yesterday the father-of-three said he believes he has a condition which causes him to physically and sexually attack his pregnant girlfriend in his sleep.
He said: "I can't sleep in my own room. I'm afraid I'm going to hit her or sexually assault her in my sleep. I'm afraid I might hurt the baby."
The accused agreed that he was drunk on the night of the alleged sexual assault.
The trial continues.
- Declan Brennan
Irish Independent
