A MOTHER charged with killing her five year-old son has been cleared after a judge accepted she was suffering from a mental disorder at the time.

Farai Chiriseri has been detained in a hospital clinic for treatment following her first public appearance in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday.

The 32 year-old faced an allegation that she killed her boy Scott at their home in Alva, Clacks, on December 4 or 5 last year.

The murder charge stated Zimbabwean-born Mrs Chiriseri repeatedly struck the child on the head, neck and body with knives.

Her QC Gary Allan lodged a special defence that she was unable to "appreciate the nature and wrongfulness" of what happened due to a mental disorder at the time.

This came after Mrs Chiriseri was examined on a number of occasions including by leading consultant psychiatrist Dr John Crichton, who said she believed she was on a "special mission from God" at the time of her son's death.

Prosecutor Bruce Erroch then told the hearing: "The Crown...accept the application of the special defence in this case."

As a result, Lord Burns formally acquitted Mrs Chiriseri.

The judge imposed a compulsion and restriction order without limit of time.

Mrs Chiriseri will remain at the medium-security Orchard Clinic at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for treatment.

Scott's father Tichakunda Chiriseri was at the hearing, but was not available for comment afterwards.

No further information was given into the death of Scott, who was described at his funeral as being "loved by all his friends".

The young motor racing fan was said at the time to have suffered "a significant injury" before Mrs Chiriseri was detained under the Mental Health Act.

Dr Crichton was called to give evidence at the short hearing yesterday.

The psychiatrist - also based at the Orchard Clinic - compiled a number of reports on Mrs Chiriseri.

He noted she had a "schizophreniform psychotic illness" consisting of delusions and hallucinations.

The doctor also said Mrs Chiriseri believed she was on "special mission from God" at the time.

He further remarked Mrs Chiriseri's conversations involved "abnormal religious content".

Asked by prosecutor Mr Erroch if Mrs Chiriseri was "continuing to make a good recovery" from her illness, Dr Crichton agreed she was.

But, Dr Crichton said the case involved "an act of homicide...one with particularly disturbing features" adding Mrs Chiriseri would need supervision for the "foreseeable future".

After yesterday's hearing, a Crown Office spokesman said a murder charge had been brought before medical opinion was sought into Mrs Chiriseri's state of mind.

The statement added: "The unanimous opinion of the expert reports concluded that the accused was insane at the time of the incident - therefore could not, in law, be found to be responsible for her actions.

"We have therefore accepted that she was incapable by reason of mental illness of appreciating the nature or wrongfulness of her actions.

"The Crown is satisfied that the public will be protected by her detention in a secure hospital.

"The family of Scott Chiriseri have been kept informed of developments throughout the case."

Scott was laid to rest with a funeral service at Alva Parish Church in January.

Reverend David Fraser told the congregation that Scott "loved life". "If you close your eyes and you picture Scott, there is the young man we will see again. He loved life, he enjoyed his life.

"He excelled at his work and he was happy to do well."