Astronaut who attacked love rival to plead insanity

A FORMER astronaut accused of trying to kidnap a romantic rival is to plead temporary insanity to the charges, according to a US court document.

Lisa Nowak suffered from major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, insomnia and “brief psychotic disorder with marked stressors”, defence attorney Donald Lykkebak wrote in his notice of intent to rely on the insanity defence.

He also noted the already petite Nowak recently lost 15% of her bodyweight and struggled with “marital separation”.

“Even the most naive observer should recognise that Lisa Nowak’s behaviour on February 5 was uncharacteristic and unpredicted for such an accomplished person with no criminal record or history of violence,” Lykkebak said in a separate public statement.

Nowak, 44, was arrested in February after confronting Colleen Shipman, the girlfriend of a former space shuttle pilot Nowak had been seeing.

The former astronaut allegedly stalked Shipman at Orlando airport in Florida, then attacked her as Shipman arrived at her car.

Police say the married mother of three had driven nearly 1,000 miles from Houston to Orlando, using nappies to avoid taking breaks, and pepper-sprayed Shipman, who was trying to get into her vehicle.

Shipman was able to drive away, and Nowak was arrested.

Police said she had a duffel bag with her that contained a steel mallet, a 4in knife and a BB gun.

Nowak was charged with attempted kidnapping, battery and burglary with assault and has pleaded not guilty.

She told police she just wanted to talk to Shipman to find out “where she stands” in the love triangle.

She was dismissed from the astronaut corps a month after her arrest.