Family of schizophrenic man sought help in weeks before he killed parents with axe

A man charged with the murder of his parents in Carndonagh, County Donegal in October 2014 has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. Evidence heard today indicated that Julian Cuddihy's family had sought psychiatric intervention in the weeks preceding the deaths of Kathleen and James Cuddihy. A detective garda from Buncrana told the court that the accused's father had cancelled a mental health appointment six days before the incident. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Damian Mohan testified that the accused's parents held concerns about stigma and forced hospitalisation. The court heard that the accused experienced severe delusions, including beliefs about poisoning, alien abduction, and voices commanding him to harm family members. State pathologist evidence detailed multiple head wounds inflicted with an axe and additional stab wounds. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and jury.