SAINT-JEROME, Que. - The lawyer for a former Quebec cardiologist charged with killing his two young children says he was clearly sick at the time of their deaths.

Guy Turcotte's jury trial has entered final arguments, with the defence up first.

Lawyer Pierre Poupart says Turcotte loved his children and should be found not guilty by reason of mental illness.

Once the Crown has made its final pitch, it will be up to an 11-person jury to decide his fate.

Turcotte is charged with first-degree murder in the 2009 stabbing deaths of his five-year-old son Olivier and three-year-old daughter Anne-Sophie.

He has admitted from the beginning to having caused the deaths but has denied intent.

If found guilty of first-degree murder, Turcotte faces the prospect of life in prison.