Sleep Walking as a Defense?
(December 8 - Philly Daily News)An accused child molester who blames sleepwalking took the stand in his defense yesterday, saying he doesn't know if he committed the crimes of which he is accused.
Richard Overton says he was shocked when he woke up and found himself naked in the bed of his girlfriend's seven-year-old daughter.
"He tried to pull my panties down," the little girl said.
Overton, who claims to have a history of sleep-related problems, says he remembers nothing from the time he fell asleep in his own bedroom until he woke up naked in the child's bed.
Is Suspect a Rapist or a Sleepwalker?
(Dec. 12 - Philly Daily News)[/br] Prosecution noted that Overton had never sought medical attention for his condition, and suggested Overton concocted his defense well after the incident occurred on Nov. 28, 1998.The prosecutor said that Overton's story defied common-sense logic. Overton had acted too deliberately to have been asleep, and he never mentioned sleepwalking when arrested.
Inconsistencies and changes in stories on the part of both Overton and the child have given the jury much to deliberate upon.
No Verdict Yet In Sleepwalker Sex Abuse Trial
(Dec. 13 - Bergen Record)
A jury deliberated for about 5 1/2 hours without reaching a verdict Tuesday in the case of an accused child molester who blames sleepwalking.
Overton says he is a chronic sleepwalker and that he remembers nothing except waking up nude next to the girl. She said he tried to pull her pants down and have sex with her.
Sleepwalker Cleared of Sex Assault
(Dec. 14 - Salt Lake Tribune)
A man who said he was sleepwalking when he allegedly tried to rape a sleeping 7-year-old girl was cleared of sex charges Wednesday but convicted on two other counts.
Richard Overton was convicted of child endangerment and child abuse. He could get up to ten years in jail on the charges. Sentencing will take place February 2.
