A man accused of a murdering two men at a house in Inverness is unfit to stand trial, a court has been told.
David Sinders is charged with killing Gary MacKay and Dwayne MacLeay at a property on Balloan Road on May 28 last year.
It is claimed that the 24 year-old repeatedly stabbed the pair on the body with a knife before emergency services were called to the scene.
Sinders - originally from Latvia - also allegedly attempted to murder Kimberley Nicholson, 27, with a blade at the same property on that date.
Sinders appeared via video link for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.
He is currently in the State Hospital at Carstairs.
Prosecutor Alan Cameron said three psychiatrists had completed reports having met with Sinders.
Mr Cameron added: "They all conclude that Mr Sinders is unfit for trial."
The court heard "the role mental health factors" may have had in the offences as well as his "ability to instruct" his lawyers had been investigated.
Sinders is said to suffer from schizophrenia but the court was told that he denies having a "mental disorder".
Lady Stacey has imposed a temporary compulsion order for Sinders to remain at Carstairs.
She told the court: "Having read the medical reports...I am satisfied that Mr Sinders is not fit for trial."
No further details of the crimes were revealed during the short proceedings.This is expected to happen at a later examination of facts hearing.
But, Lady Stacey said, due to the current pandemic, no date could be fixed for that.
The case will call again in May when it is hoped the hearing will be set.
Gary ‘Chunk’ MacKay, 35, and Dwyane MacLeay, 28, were both pronounced dead at the scene while Kimberley was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Following the duo’s tragic deaths, their families both released statements via Police Scotland.
Dwayne’s family said: 'Dwayne was a kind, gentle caring person who would help anybody, he lived to play his guitar and sing.”
Gary’s loved ones added: “Gary was a dearly beloved son of Gordon and Linda, a brother of Darren and Alan, uncle and a friend to many.
“Gary was known by the nickname 'Chunk' by many and he will be sorely missed by all. “Gary was a happy and friendly person, his passion was to watch Inverness Caley Thistle, his team who he followed for many years.”
