A Turkish waiter who killed two women from Co Down has said he did it for “love”.
Recep Cetin has already admitted killing Marion Graham and Cathy Dinsmore, in 2011.
The 22-year-old, who had been dating Ms Graham's daughter, Shannon, told a court in Izmir, west Turkey, today he was "full of regret" for his actions.
“I was young and naive. I was in love,” he said. “I did not plan this in advance as the prosecution claim. I committed the murders under severe provocation. I did it so I would not lose my girlfriend.
“I only ask for a fair trial and hope God will forgive me.”
Ms Graham and her friend Ms Dinsmore were said to have tried to warn Recep Cetin away from Shannon, who was 15 at the time.
The victims, both 53 and from Newry, were stabbed to death and their bodies were found in woodland near Izmir, 100km north of their holiday apartment in Kusadasi, on August 19th 2011. Ms Dinsmore was stabbed 35 times and Ms Graham 17 times.
At Izmir Bayrakli Fifth High Criminal Court today (Monday) prosecutors asked for Recep Cetin and his father Eyup, who is also accused of murder, to be given life sentences in solitary confinement.
Judges also ruled against conducting another mental health assessment on Recep Cetin, which had been requested by his defence at the last hearing.
Eyup Cetin, who is also accused of murder, again claimed his innocence. The 43-year-old repeated earlier claims that secret witness evidence placing him at the scene of the crime was contradictory.
“I am innocent but I have been in prison for two years. My command of Turkish is poor so I can’t defend myself adequately,” he said. “I accept any sentence the court will give if there is any evidence showing my involvement in this incident.”
Relatives of the victims did not attend today’s hearing.
The trial was adjourned to October 2nd, when a verdict is expected.