Arsonist dies in prison

John Sheward, who tried to kill his wife and children by torching their home in 1999, has died suddenly at Hawkes Bay Regional prison.

Prison sources said Sheward died while playing touch rugby.

Corrections Department acting regional manager Tony Howe declined to comment other than to confirm that an inmate "collapsed and died". He said the death would be investigated by the department's inspectorate and the coroner.

Sheward, the son of a millionaire, almost killed his wife and four sons when he set fire to their Hastings home in November 1999 in an attempt to cash in on his wife's $500,000 life insurance policy.