A MAN accused of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13 has claimed he suffers from parasomnia.

David Diggins, of De Montford Road, Reading, is coming to the end of his trial at Reading Crown Court where a jury has heard he has been charged with two counts of assault of a girl under 13 by touching. 

It is alleged that the 38-year-old touched the girl while the pair shared a bed between June 25 and June 26 in 2021.

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During closing statements on Wednesday (October 11), Diggins's defence lawyer said he was suffering from parasomnia at the time of the incident.

A parasomnia is a sleep disorder that involves unusual and undesirable physical events or experiences that disrupt your sleep.

His lawyer said: "The evidence this might be parasomnia doesn't just come from Mr Diggins, it comes from his medical history and [the victim]". 

He said the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had also mentioned in her interview with police that Diggins 'appeared to be asleep' when she woke up to find him touching her.

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A sleep expert provided evidence on parasomnia and people who suffer from it can display sexual behaviours, the court heard.

The jury is now due to retire.