Saviour Gauci, a prisoner who had been seeking permission to spend his last days with his family after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, died early this morning at Boffa Hospital, the Director of Prisons said.

At the time of death he was surrounded by his family and relatives. He was also administered the last rites.

Mr Gauci, who was serving a 19-year sentence for the murder of his sister-in-law, was taken to Boffa Hospital on March 24 after having previously been treated at Mater Dei Hospital.