R v B [2013]

1. Facts:

• Scenario: D, diagnosed with schizophrenia, raped his partner while under the delusion that he had a ‘sexual healing power’.

• Key Issue: The impact of delusional beliefs on consent and criminal responsibility.

2. Outcome:

• Decision: The court held that delusional beliefs alone do not exclude a person from liability for sexual assault unless the delusion amounts to insanity.

3. Impact and Analysis:

• Delusions and Liability: This case clarifies that delusions related to sexual acts do not automatically negate criminal liability.

• Legal Threshold: For a defence based on mental condition to be successful, it must meet the standard of insanity rather than just being a delusional belief.