MONTREAL -- A former Quebec doctor is appealing his second-degree murder conviction in the stabbing deaths of his two children.

Guy Turcotte was found guilty on Dec. 6 in the 2009 slayings of Olivier, 5, and Anne-Sophie, 3.

Turcotte's lawyers were hoping the jury would find him not criminally responsible by way of mental disorder -- the verdict that was handed down in 2011 at his first trial.

He is to be sentenced Jan. 15.

The Crown is recommending Turcotte serve at least 20 years in prison before being eligible to apply for parole.

The defence suggested that Turcotte serve less than 15 years, and closer to 10, before being eligible to apply.

A conviction on second-degree murder carries a sentence of life imprisonment but the court has some latitude on setting parole eligibility. The minimum time to be served before being able to apply is 10 years, while the maximum is 25 years.