Sam Magee KC represented trainee accountant found not guilty of rape following trial

Sam Magee KC, instructed by David Hardstaff of BCL solicitors and leading Sasha Queffurus, represented a trainee accountant who was found not guilty of rape following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Sam’s client was accused of raping a young woman he had barely encountered the same night but who he had fallen asleep next to.

As part of the defence case, Sam relied on an expert in parasomnia disorders, Adrian Williams, Consultant Physician and Professor of Sleep Medicine at King’s College London. The jury heard about the unusual circumstances of this alleged offence, and how there were multiple factors present that could indicate that the Complainant had been suffering from “Sexsomnia” on the night in question. Sexsomnia is characterised by an individual engaging in sexual acts while in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.

The jury unanimously acquitted Sam’s client in 30 minutes after a 7-day trial.