A death row inmate who believes he is 'immortal' has been spared execution at the eleventh hour.

John Richard Wood, 56, claims he has already died and been resurrected three times.

He had been scheduled for execution after spending more than 25 years behind bars for the murder of a state trooper in South Carolina, US, but was ruled too mentally ill to proceed.

In December 2000, Wood shot and killed Eric Nicholson during a traffic stop. He was apprehended after fleeing the scene and opening fire on police, wounding another officer in the process.

Three mental health experts concluded that he lacks the competency to be executed, as he fails to comprehend why he is facing punishment.

Wood suffers from schizophrenia and is convinced he is immortal – asserting that he has already been executed on three separate occasions. The presiding judge explained that Wood believes he will be brought back to life should the state carry out his execution.

He also falsely believes he has already received a pardon from the governor.

Wood was convinced that the courtroom during his 2002 trial was acting as an agent of 'Beloved Kevin Rudolph', a deity he believes is engaged in a battle for control of the planet.

The court heard that the convicted killer believes he possesses 'wings' and was granted immortality to prevail in his 'fight' against the justice system.

The judge, supported by two psychiatrists and a psychologist, ruled that Wood cannot be executed owing to his severe mental illness. While Wood accepts the reasoning behind his initial death sentence, he maintains that police were 'framing him for brutal rape'.

The judge's ruling will now be referred to the South Carolina Supreme Court, which holds the power to either uphold or overturn the decision.