Updated: 18 May 2021, 21:54
A MOTHER suffocated her three children because she thought her mental illness would leave them "damaged" and unable to lead healthy, normal lives, the Central Criminal Court has heard.
Deirdre Morley, 44, of Parson's Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin, left two notes in the house saying "I'm sorry" after taking the lives of Conor, nine, Darragh, seven, and three-year-old Carla McGinley.
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Deirdre Morley with her husband Andrew McGinley and their three children Conor, Darragh and CarlaCredit: PA:Press Association
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The Criminal Courts of JusticeCredit: Alamy
She has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murders on January 24, 2020.
Opening her trial, prosecutor Anne Marie Lawlor SC told the jury that they will be "primarily concerned with the mental state of Ms Morley".