(3) The conduct must be willed

Where, as is usually the case, the actus reus of an offence specifies some form of conduct, it must be proved that the defendant consciously willed the relevant action.

If the defendant’s muscles acted without the control of his mind he is not blameworthy and will be able to plead automatism (Bratty v AG for Northern Ireland (1963)). If successful the defendant is acquitted.