KUANTAN, March 15 (Bernama) -- The High Court here freed an inmate from a charge of murdering a fellow inmate by reason of insanity nearly seven years ago.

Judicial commissioner Datuk Mariana Yahya however ordered former canteen operator Mat Zaid Muhamad, 45, to be held at a mental hospital at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Mariana, in her judgement, said the prosecution failed to challenge the testimony of sixth witness Dr Badiah Yahya of Hospital Permai, Johor, who confirmed that the accused was suffering from delusional disorder.

She said that the court found that the accused was of unstable mind and did not know the consequences of his action.

"The accused is freed of murder charge as provided for under Section 348(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code," she said.

Mat Zaid was charged with murdering Solehuddin Darus at Blok D2, Room 7 of the Penor Jail here at 6.40am on Oct 13, 2003.

The accused was being detained at the jail due to a charge of murdering his second wife in the same year.

Prosecution was carried out by Deputy Public Prosecutor Noor Azizah Mohamad while the accused was represented by Noor Azmi Kasani.