A Kilkenny man has been found not guilty of trying to murder his heavily pregnant sister by reason of insanity.

Daniel O’Connell from Rosemount in Newpark stabbed her several times in April last year because he didn't want her to raise a child in Dublin.

The court heard he's autistic and had developed a deep hatred towards Dublin and its people after being bullied on a school trip when he was 13.

The jury returned with the special verdict after deliberating for just over two hours.

The 33-year-old will now be further assessed in the Central Mental Hospital.