Mass murderer Charles Manson hospitalised in deteriorating condition

Mass murderer Charles Manson has been taken to hospital, and is reportedly in deteriorating condition.

The former Manson Family cult leader, now 83, was hospitalised at Bakersfield, California three days ago. He is being guarded by five police officers at all times.

A spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation told the LA times that Manson is still alive, but gave no information on the severity of his condition.

A source familiar to the situation has since said that his condition was deteriorating, saying "it's not going to get any better for him" and "it's just a matter of time".

In January, Manson was taken to hospital for severe intestinal bleeding and needed surgery, but was reportedly too weak and was sent back to prison.

In the 1960s, Manson led a cult known as the Manson Family, in which he told female followers to kill for him. His followers committed nine murders in four different locations, reportedly in order to initiate a race war.

In 1971 Manson was convicted of first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He has been jailed for more than 45 years, serving seven life terms.

He has been denied parole 12 times, most recently in 2012.