Mother told killer son 'I love you' as he stabbed her

A woman told her son "I love you" even as he repeatedly stabbed her at their south London home, a court has heard.

Daniel Dighton, 35, killed parents Elizabeth, 60, and Barry, 61, after an argument over packing for a holiday in France, the Old Bailey was told.

Barry Dighton was stabbed four times at the family home in Campden Road, South Croydon, as he tried to pull his son away from his wife in September 2009.

Daniel Dighton denies murder but admits the manslaughter of his parents.

'Went crazy'

Mr Dighton told defence psychologist Dr Peter Stephens during an interview that he "went crazy" after his mother told him off for not packing and muttered "idiot" as she left the room.

As the argument escalated she threw a book at her son.

Dr Stephens told the court: "He said: 'I don't know what it was but I went crazy'."

Mr Dighton told the psychologist that as he picked up two knives from a table, his mother asked him to stop.

He told Dr Stephens: "I shouted something back and she said 'What are you saying Danny? I love you'."

To which her son had responded: "I know, I love you too."

The psychologist said the defendant, who was described by the prosecution as a "layabout son", had struggled at school, although he had an above average verbal ability.

Mr Dighton was also in the habit of drinking several whiskies every night in the local pub and was hungover on the day of the fatal attack, the court heard.

The trial continues.