BLACKPOOL MAN MICHAEL MCALLISTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SLEEP-INDUCED RAPE CASE
In September 2014, a disturbing case unfolded in Preston Crown Court involving Michael McAllister, a resident of Blackpool, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl under circumstances he claimed were due to a sleep disorder.The incident took place after a party in the Fylde area, where McAllister, then 23 years old, engaged in a sexual act with a young girl who was under the influence of alcohol and was reportedly half asleep at the time.
McAllister maintained that he had no memory of the assault, asserting that he suffers from a condition known as sexsomnia, which causes him to engage in sexual activity while asleep.
He explained that on multiple occasions in the past, he had experienced similar episodes, often during relationships.
During the trial, his legal team called an expert witness to support his claim, arguing that sexsomnia is a genuine medical condition.
However, the prosecution challenged this defense, presenting evidence from a former girlfriend who testified that she had not observed any unusual behavior or signs of sleep disorder, aside from McAllister’s habitual snoring.
The court heard that the victim, a teenage girl and guest at the same Fylde party, was in a state of semi-consciousness when McAllister entered her bed.
She described feeling someone get into bed with her, touching her without consent, and engaging in sexual activity.
The girl was overwhelmed with fear, froze in place, and began to shake as the assault occurred.
She was too frightened to resist or call for help and was left crying and distressed.
When questioned by police, McAllister claimed to have no recollection of the events, stating that he went to sleep and woke up alone on a mattress, unaware of what had transpired.
His defense argued that his actions were the result of his sleep condition, but the prosecution dismissed this as a sham, emphasizing that McAllister was fully aware of his actions and had taken advantage of the situation intentionally.
Prosecutor Francis McEntee described McAllister’s claim of sleepwalking as a “sham,” asserting that the defendant deliberately exploited the circumstances to commit the assault.
The jury was convinced that McAllister’s actions were deliberate and not accidental, rejecting his defense.
Judge Heather Lloyd, delivering her sentence, emphasized the gravity of the crime.
She stated, “You used sexsomnia as an explanation and it was an excuse and a lie which the jury rejected.
They were sure you had acted intentionally.” She further remarked that McAllister’s behavior was a calculated abuse of trust, especially given the victim’s vulnerable state.
In her sentencing remarks, Judge Lloyd highlighted the seriousness of the offense, noting that McAllister’s actions were not typical even among intoxicated individuals.
She said, “The simple fact is you sought this girl out for sex when she was asleep and you raped her, so it is not that unusual a set of circumstances.
I accept had you been sober, you would not have behaved as you did, but most men, even in drink, do not sexually assault, let alone rape young women who are asleep.” She also pointed out that McAllister showed little remorse or insight into the gravity of his actions, which contributed to her decision to impose a substantial custodial sentence.
The judge concluded by acknowledging that McAllister, who had no significant prior criminal record, was facing a severe punishment for his conduct, which was deemed a serious breach of trust and morality.
