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β€˜The way the CPS handled it was probably worse than the rape itself’

Jade's rape case was dropped over claims she had an episode of β€˜sexsomnia’.

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

Jade McCrossen-Nethercott’s rape case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service because of claims that she had an episode of a rare sleep condition called β€˜sexsomnia’, 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 ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, alongside ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ reporter Emma Ailes, to discuss what happened and the impact the CPS response had on her.

A CPS Spokesperson said: β€œRape 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’s account should have been challenged and put before a jury to decide.

β€œWe 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.”

You can hear Jade’s story in full in the documentary Sexsomnia: Case Closed?’ on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer. Listen to our full interview on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds - it’s the episode from 5 October.

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

Release date:

Duration:

3 minutes