Killer Manson is ‘close to death’

CONVICTED murderer Charles Manson has reportedly been taken to hospital in critical condition.

The cult leader, pictured, who sent followers known as the ‘Manson Family’ to commit murders in the 1960s, was taken to a hospital in California on Monday, according to The Los Angeles Times. The 83-year-old killer has been described as looking ‘ashen’.

In January he was hospitalised with problems including severe intestinal bleeding, but doctors said he was too weak for surgery and he was sent back to jail. A source said: ‘It’s not going to get any better ... It’s just a matter of time.’

Manson has been imprisoned for more than 45 years. In 1971 the killer was convicted for the deaths of seven people, including pregnant Sharon Tate, the wife of director Roman Polanski.