A couple involved in a love triangle in which the other man died of severe burns was set free after spending over seven years in prison today when the Ipoh High Court dismissed the manslaughter charge against them for lack of evidence.

NONE Health inspector Mohd Khoharuddin Ismail, 48, ( right in photo) and his wife Siti Sabariah Ahamat, 44, ( below left in photo ) a construction firm clerk, were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code which carries the death penalty upon conviction.

The couple was jointly accused of causing the death of Mohd Yusof Ismail at about 4am on Feb 1, 2003 at Kilometre 20, Jalan Lepang Nenering , Kg Lalang, Gerik, Hulu Perak district, Perak.

High Court Judicial Commissioner Hassan Abdul Rahman said: "The evidence produced by the prosecution is circumstantial evidence and the statement of witness Noordin Jusof (brother-in-law of Koharuddin) is not sufficient to prove a prima-facie case against both the accused."

Noordin, the main witness, had died of a heart attack during the course of the couple's trial. The couple was then acquitted of the main charge of murder without their defence being called.

NONE The couple, who had spent seven years and five months at the Penang Prison during their course of their trial, was overjoyed upon hearing the judgment.

Koharuddin said: "This is the best gift for us for the coming Hari Raya Puasa festival and I thank Allah for it."

The couple was represented by Naran Singh while DPP Jean Sharmila Jesudason prosecuted.

On Feb 16, 2003, they were initially charged at the magistrate's court in Gerik, and their case was later transferred to the Taiping High Court where Hassan presided.

Hassan was subsequently transferred to the Ipoh High Court where he delivered his judgment today.

According to Naran Singh, on the day of the event the deceased Mohd Yusof, suffering from heavy body burns, managed to crawl into his car and drive  to the police beat at Felcra Pengalan Hulu where he asked to be taken to hospital for treatment.

He was admitted to the Baling Hospital and when his condition worsened he was transferred to the Alor Setar Hospital, dying ten days later from the burns and blood poisoning.