A former Australian school principal has been acquitted of sexually touching his 9-year-old daughter because he has "sexsomnia".
The man, who was 42-years-old at the time of the offending, appeared in the New South Wales District Court on Friday.
His daughter said in November 2019 she had climbed into her father's bed because she was scared by loud voices on the street, 7News reported.
She claimed he touched her vagina and she told him 'no' in a strong voice. However, he went on to move his hand towards her breast and mumbled "p***y", before falling still and silent and began snoring.
A similar incident had also reportedly occurred in July, 7News reported.
Her father had been drinking before going to bed on both nights.
The man said he was shocked when he was arrested but didn't doubt the allegations.
His ex-wife had previously told him he had occasionally sexually touched her during his sleep but would have no recollection of it the next day.
At the trial, experts also gave evidence he had a condition called "sexsomnia", which leads a person to engage in sexual acts while they're sleeping.
The prosecution found the man not guilty because his condition meant he did not touch his daughter voluntarily and he had no control over his behaviour.
