A KNIFEMAN killed three generations of a family in a manic meltdown brought on by cannabis use, a court heard.

       Joshua Jacques, 29, stabbed girlfriend Samantha Drummonds, 27, her mum Tanysha Ofori-Akuffo, 45, and grandmother Dolet Hill, 64, as well as Ms Hill’s husband, Denton Burke, 58.

       1

       Samantha Drummonds was allegedly stabbed to death along with three family members Credit: Central News

       Hours before the killings, Samantha messaged her friend to tell him Jacques was on the brink of a manic episode.

       Drug dealer Jacques has admitted manslaughter but denies murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

       Prosecutors say the attack in Bermondsey, South East London, in April last year was brought on solely by his use of cannabis.

       The defence argues it was the result of an underlying mental health condition.

       Read More on UK News CAPITAL GANGLAND How Turkish & Albanian drug gangs have joined forces and mock 'weak' UK

       WHAT HAPPENED? Five questions still to be answered as cops find body in search for Gaynor

       Dr Blackwood said he believed drug use was also the cause of Jacques’ behaviour in 2018 and that he did not have bipolar disorder.

       He said: "The symptoms were consistent with a manic episode but to me, it was driven by his drug use at that time."

       He said what Jacques experienced was a ‘drug induced mania with psychotic features’.

       The case continues at the Old Bailey.

       Most read in The Sun

       BABY JOY! Strictly star Oti Mabuse gives birth to her first child as she shares sweet photo

       ROTTEN LUCK 'Christmas is ruined' blast shoppers as their supermarket turkeys are 'rancid'

       well done chel Hollyoaks actress gives birth to first child with mystery boyfriend

       KNIGHT BEFORE XMAS Man Utd takeover CONFIRMED as Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys 25 per cent of club