A teenager has admitted killing his father and trying to murder his mother.

James MacDonald, now 17, repeatedly stabbed his father, Hugh, as he lay in bed at the family home in Billington Gardens, Hedge End.

Winchester Crown Court heard how his mother, Fiona, was woken during the frenzied attack in the early hours of January 12th last year, before her son began raining blows on her.

The attack stopped when she turned on a light. Police revealed that James launched the attack because he wanted to kill another pupil at school and was worried about his parents' reaction.

MacDonald, who admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, faces being sentenced to a term in a secure hospital.

Speaking after the trial, a devastated Mrs MacDonald (52), said: "Legally, I am still his guardian. I am a victim and a witness. At the same time I am still his mother. I can't answer for James. He must answer for himself."

Defending, Stewart Jones QC told the court: "It must have been clear to everybody that something was drastically wrong with this young man right from the start. It has taken a lot of work to see what exactly is wrong."

Mr Jones said two doctors had been consulted, adding that Broadmoor was being considered. Asked if she thought a hospital treatment order was right for her son, Mrs MacDonald said: "Of course, but I don't know if one is going to be forthcoming."

She said he showed no signs of his mental health being affected. "He was a normal teenager with hormones kicking in. He was always saying things like: 'Why can't I stay out late with my friends'?"

Speaking of how James's younger brother and sister, Rona and Coll were coping, she said: "They are a credit to us."

MacDonald, who was brought from Feltham young offenders' institute, denied murdering his father and Mr Justice McCombe accepted the lesser plea. He also admitted the attempted murder of his mother.

Sentencing was adjourned until Monday (the day after his 18th birthday), when a doctor will give the court his recommendations. Reporting restrictions on naming him were lifted.