Leicester Man’s Sexomnia Defense Crumbles: Dean Final Jailed for 15 Years in Landmark Case

The chilling attempt by Leicester resident Dean Final to evade responsibility for horrific sexual crimes using the rare “sexomnia” defense has ended with a near 15-year prison sentence. Final, 32, admitted to multiple offenses against two former partners but initially claimed his actions occurred unknowingly during sleep—a defense prosecutors swiftly dismantled as a manipulative fabrication.

What is Sexomnia and Can It Be Used in Criminal Defense?

Sexomnia is a medically recognized parasomnia where individuals engage in sexual behaviors while asleep, typically with no memory afterward. In rare legal cases like Final’s, defendants argue non-insane automatism—claiming unconscious action exempts them from criminal intent. However, sleep medicine experts and legal authorities remain deeply skeptical of such defenses without robust clinical evidence. As Dr. Helena Carter, a sleep disorder specialist at Oxford University, explains: “Genuine sexomnia cases are exceptionally rare and require extensive polysomnography (sleep studies) to diagnose. Courts rightly demand documented medical history before entertaining such claims.” The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) explicitly warns that unsubstantiated sexomnia defenses often represent attempts to avoid accountability for predatory behavior.

Final’s Crimes and the Collapse of His Defense

Final pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025, to two counts of rape, controlling/coercive behavior, assault, non-fatal strangulation, and criminal damage against former partners in Leicester and Lancashire. Prosecutors revealed Final’s pattern of abuse: isolating victims, confiscating phones/keys, installing hidden surveillance cameras, and relentless accusations of infidelity. His claim of sexomnia collapsed under scrutiny. As noted in court documents, Final had no prior sleep disorder diagnosis or clinical testing. Crucially, prosecutors demonstrated his conscious intent through deliberate actions—moving between rooms and retrieving objects during assaults—contradicting unconscious behavior. One victim reported his eyes were closed during an attack, but this alone couldn’t support a sexomnia defense without medical corroboration.

Justice Prevails Amidst Survivor Courage

Leicester Crown Court sentenced Final to 14 years and 10 months, emphasizing the severity of his “violent, manipulative, and controlling” actions. The CPS commended the “extraordinary courage” of the survivors whose testimonies ensured a swift conviction. Their detailed accounts exposed Final’s calculated abuse: one escaped mid-assault to alert police, while the other endured coercive control and witnessed animal cruelty. National Domestic Abuse Helpline data shows only 18% of coercive control cases result in charges, making this outcome particularly significant. The ruling sets a vital precedent: unverified sleep disorder defenses cannot shield perpetrators from justice.

Bolded Summary:
Dean Final’s 15-year sentence delivers resounding justice against a predator who weaponized the controversial “sexomnia” defense. This landmark Leicester case reinforces that claims of unconscious action require irrefutable medical proof—and survivors’ courage remains pivotal in dismantling abusers’ manipulative narratives. If you recognize signs of coercive control, contact local authorities or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline immediately.

Must Know

Q: What exactly is sexomnia?
A: Sexomnia is a rare sleep disorder (parasomnia) where a person engages in sexual acts while asleep with no awareness or memory. It’s medically recognized but requires rigorous sleep studies for diagnosis. Legally, it falls under “non-insane automatism” defenses claiming lack of conscious control.

Q: Why did Dean Final’s sexomnia defense fail?
A: Final had no documented history of sleep disorders or clinical testing. Prosecutors proved his conscious intent through deliberate actions like moving between rooms and retrieving items during assaults. The Crown Prosecution Service stated unsubstantiated claims often aim to evade accountability.

Q: What crimes was Dean Final convicted of?
A: Final pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, controlling/coercive behavior, assault, non-fatal strangulation, criminal damage, and animal cruelty against two ex-partners in Leicester and Lancashire.

Q: How common are sexomnia defenses in court?
A: They remain rare and controversial. UK Ministry of Justice reports note fewer than 20 such defenses annually, with most rejected without verified medical evidence. Successful cases typically involve long-documented sleep disorders and expert testimony.

Q: What support exists for sexual violence survivors?
A: Contact RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) or the National Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. UK-based survivors can reach the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.