Photo: Matt From London

A Croydon man, who is accused of murdering both his parents, told his mother he loved her moments before stabbing her to death, the Old Bailey heard today.

Daniel Dighton, 35, is on trial at the Old Bailey, charged with murdering his parents Elizabeth, 60, and Barry, 61, after an argument over packing for a holiday in France.

Daneil Dighton denies murder but admits manslaughter of his parents in September 2009.

Barry Dighton, former head teacher of Elmhurst school was stabbed four times at the family home in south Croydon as he attempted to stop his son’s attack on Elizabeth Dighton.

Daniel Dighton told defence psychologist, Dr Peter Stephens, that he “went crazy” after an argument escalated when his mother told him off for not packing.

Mr Dighton told the psychologist that as he picked up two knives from a table, his mother asked him to stop, saying: “What are you saying Danny? I love you”

Mr Dighton responded: “I know, I love you too.”

The court heard that Mr Dighton was in the habit of drinking several whiskies every night and was hungover on the day of the attack.

Dighton has been remanded in custody since October 2009. He was arrested after police found him hiding in his parent’s attic, following reports of a ‘disturbance’.

The trial continues.