close to death, Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness revealed yesterday.

Michael Peniston Harvey, who is known as the "Duchess of Devonshire'', was released this week on the recommendation of Prison and medical authorities.

The condition of the AIDS-infected 42-year-old inmate has seriously deteriorated, sources said.

Mr. Edness said Harvey's release was based on compassionate grounds. He is to spend most of his time outside prison at Agape House, which cares for the terminally ill.

Mr. Edness said Harvey was released "on licence'', meaning he remained under the authority of the prison for possible return to Casemates.

In September, 1991, Harvey was jailed for seven years for killing his male lover during a fight.

Lawyers said the "lenient'' sentence was due to the fact that Harvey already had AIDS.

The killing of boyfriend Studley (Cap) Wade, 40, occurred in March, 1991.