Fixing a Simpson 8.0kg toploading washing machine?

The machine was working and got half way through the cycle, but then wont agitate properly, jerking and lurching. The control LEDs for water temp are all flashing together along with beeping. This has happened before, and could be 'fixed' by swearing and reducing or re-arranging the load. But no longer. Now a minor electric shock can also be had by touching the metalwork of the machine (same intensity as putting a half-flat 9V battery on your tongue). Breaker/fuse is not tripping I'm guessing some sort of small-scale earth fault? On the motor/agitator drive? Suggestions?

Adam
December 2010