Man accused of murdering parents with axe appears in court
A man has gone on trial accused of the murder of his parents at their family home in Co Donegal in 2014.
Julian Cuddihy has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
The bodies of James and Kathleen Cuddidy, who were both in their 70s, were found at their bungalow at Churchtown, Carndonagh in Donegal on the morning of Oct 23, 2014.
Post mortems revealed they died from severe head trauma as a result of chop wounds.
Their son Julian Cuddihy, aged 43, was arrested and has been receiving treatment at the Central Mental Hospital ever since.
This morning, he pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity and a jury was sworn in to hear his trial.
They will hear from two forensic psychiatrists who believe he was having a psychotic episode when he killed his parents.
The court heard he had an angry resentment towards his mother because she would not support his wish to join the IRA.
He told the psychiatrists he was carrying out her intentions so they could find a place in Heaven.
The trial will begin hearing evidence tomorrow morning.=
