A Samoan father of seven who killed his son with a machete has had murder charges against him dismissed by a panel of five assessors.

They instead found him guilty of manslaughter after a week long hearing presided over by Justice Vui Clarence Nelson.

The Samoa Observer reported that Afereti Talato Mapusua of Falelauniu, attacked son, slashing him on the neck.

Afereti, who had a history of domestic violence has been remanded until 4 December for sentencing.