A 30-YEAR-OLD man accused of killing his uncle has escaped the gallows.

The murder charge against Heng Boon Chai was reduced to manslaughter at a preliminary inquiry on Tuesday.

No reason was given in court.

It is believed the charge was amended based on Heng's psychiatric condition.

He now faces life imprisonment of up to 10 years in jail for stabbing 55-year-old Heng Kim Teck in the face at a Telok Blangah Heights flat last September.

Heng indicated in court he would plead guilty. A hearing has been set for May 23.