Judge orders psychiatric assessment for Donegal man accused of murdering parents

A judge has ordered a psychiatric assessment to be carried out as soon as possible on a County Donegal man charged with the murders of his parents.

Jimmy and Kathleen Cuddihy, who were aged in their 70s, were found dead in their home just outside Carndonagh last Thursday.

Julian Cuddihy (aged 42) appeared at a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court today.

In court, Julian Cuddihy's solicitor said that the psychological assessment of his client, which had been ordered at a previous sitting, had not yet taken place, because Castlerea prison does not have the facilities to carry out such an assessment.

The judge insisted the assessment was needed "as soon as possible".

Mr Cuddihy was remanded in custody.