Guy Turcotte's lawyer says killing own kids wasn't act of revenge

Guy Turcotte did not kill his children as an act of revenge against his ex-wife Isabelle Gaston, his lawyer argued on Wednesday.

"The man's history is not a history of violence," defence attorney Pierre Poupart said.

"Revenge? That's an insult to reason."

Turcotte has admitted to causing the deaths of his five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter but his lawyers argue the 43-year-old former doctor should be found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.

In his closing arguments Wednesday, Poupart said Turcotte was angry because his ex-wife had cheated on him with another man, one of the reasons that led to the couple's separation.

As proof, Poupart said Turcotte read emails between his ex-wife and her new boyfriend before drinking washer fluid and stabbing the toddlers.

Poupart argued Turcotte drank the washer fluid with the intention of committing suicide.

The defence also recalled one of the shock statements of the trial, when Turcotte told Gaston on the day of the killings, "You want war, you'll have it!"

Poupart argued this referred to an "economic war" with Gaston. He told the jury she destroyed their credit cards later that day.

"She knows he's a good father," Poupart said.

The defence asked the jury not to conclude that it was an act of revenge.

"It's attractive [to believe this], given all the emotions we all have," Poupart said.

Closing arguments in the trial began Tuesday. After they wrap up, the 11-person jury will deliver its verdict.