大象传媒

鈿狅笍Warning: Some viewers may find the content of this video distressing.

Jade McCrossen-Nethercott鈥檚 rape case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service because of claims that she had an episode of a rare sleep condition called 鈥榮exsomnia鈥�, meaning she could have appeared to have been awake and consenting. Sexsomnia is a medically-recognised sleep disorder. People with the condition may perform sexual acts in their sleep.

Jade challenged the decision and the CPS now admit they were wrong not to take the case to trial and have apologised unreservedly to her. She is now suing them for damages.

Jade, who has waived her right to anonymity, joined Emma Barnett on 大象传媒 Radio 4鈥檚 Woman鈥檚 Hour, alongside 大象传媒 reporter Emma Ailes, to discuss what happened and the impact the CPS response had on her.

A CPS Spokesperson said: 鈥淩ape is a devastating offence and securing justice for a victim can, in a small way, help them to overcome the trauma. We have apologised unreservedly to the victim in this case. The expert evidence and defendant鈥檚 account should have been challenged and put before a jury to decide.

鈥淲e are committed to improving every aspect of how life-changing crimes like rape are dealt with and are working closely with the police to transform how they are handled. We remain positive about the progress that is being made but recognise there is still a long way to go so more victims come forward and report with confidence.鈥�

You can hear Jade鈥檚 story in full in the documentary Sexsomnia: Case Closed?鈥� on 大象传媒 iPlayer. Listen to our full interview on 大象传媒 Sounds - it鈥檚 the episode from 5 October.

For details of organisations which offer support and advice about domestic violence, head to the 大象传媒 Action Line website.

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