Rape accused claims 'sexsomnia' (From Witney Gazette)

Rape accused claims 'sexsomnia'

8:24am Friday 3rd August 2007 in Witney

AN RAF mechanic who claims he was sleep walking when he allegedly raped a teenage girl may have been suffering from "sexsomnia", a court heard.

Kenneth Ecott, 26, was displaying signs of the nocturnal condition when he stripped off and climbed on top of his victim at a birthday party sleepover, an expert told a jury at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Sexsomnia, also known as Sleep Sex, is a disorder that causes a person to commit sexual acts in their sleep.

Ecott's girlfriend said she had been forced to fend her dozing partner off a number of times in the past while they shared the same bed due to the disorder.

And the Senior Aircraftsman, based at Brize Norton, claims he was suffering from sexsomnia when he is alleged to have drunkenly climbed on top of the 15-year-old girl and raped her as she slept.

The girl woke and pushed Ecott off. He claims he had no memory of the incident the following day, the court heard.

Sleepwalking expert Dr Irshaad Ebrahim said sleep deprivation was a factor that could trigger an episode of "automatism".

Ecott denies one count of rape. The trial continues.