The court found, on a balance of probabilities, that he had indeed suffered an " epileptic equivalent . " He had been unconscious, with " neither judgment, will, purpose nor reasoning . " The stabbing was a result of " blind reflex activity . " There was no intention to kill.
2.
One day, while cutting meat with a sharp knife, he experienced an episode that the testifying expert described at trial as an " epileptic equivalent "-- " an attack where the ordinary fit is replaced by a period of confusion . " During this episode, for no apparent reason, he suddenly stabbed and killed his sister, standing next to him.