Regina v. Stephenson

1 Q.B. 695, Court of Appeal (1979)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

On November 28, 1977, D went to sleep in a haystack that he hollowed out. D felt cold, so he lit a fire of twigs and straw in the hollow. The fire grew out of control, and it caused 3,500 pounds of damage. D said that he was sorry about the fire and that it was an accident. D was charged with arson, which requires an intent to commit arson or the reckless disregard for the risk of one’s actions. An expert witness was called at trial, and he testified that the D suffered from schizophrenia and that he lit the fire without an awareness or an appreciation of the risks involved. D was convicted and appealed.