A court in the United States has granted the conditional release of Tyree Smith, a man accused of hacking a homeless man to death with an axe before eating the brain and eyes of the victim.

Officials said the Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) approved the release of Mr Smith from prison after a careful review of his clinical progress, NBC News reported.

The 34-year-old was caught in Florida shortly after killing a man at a relative’s Bridgeport house in Connecticut and then consumed parts of the victim’s remains in 2018. He had been held in custody since then.

The PSRB said Mr Smith had demonstrated long-term stability, remained engaged in all recommended treatments and consistently followed his care.

He is currently at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown under temporary leave status, the first phase of his conditional release that involves confinement to the hospital. However, he is privileged to receive treatment in the community, including overnights and weekly check-ins at the hospital.

To maintain his conditional release, Mr Smith must remain under strict supervision and must continue to receive necessary mental health services.