AN artist charged with murdering his mother and trying to beat his father to death has been ordered to remain in the State Hospital at Carstairs until the conclusion of the case.

Graeme Morris, 38, of Hove, East Sussex, has been accused of assaulting his mother, Ann, 63, by punching her on the head, pushing her on the body and murdering her on October 5 at his parents' bungalow in Troon.

Morris, who was a student at Glasgow School of Art, is also charged with assaulting his 64-year-old father, Fred, by repeatedly striking him on the head and body to his severe injury, danger of his life and attempting to murder him.

His solicitor, Mandy Stewart, said: "Mr Morris was placed on a Treatment Order, which means that he will remain in the State Hospital until the conclusion of the case."

Sheriff Norman McFadyen made the order at Ayr Sheriff Court after considering two psychiatric reports produced by the Crown.