R v Hardie

A man was told he had to leave a flat by the owner and she allowed him to take her valium tablets to calm him down. In a state of intoxication he set fire to a wardrobe. The judge directed that voluntary self-administration of intoxicants was not a defence since it did not negate the mens rea. He was convicted of arson. The CA allowed his appeal since the valium was taken only with the intent of calming himself, H being unaware of what risk this created.