In a statement this evening the Gharb Local Council has said that it will take legal action to safeguard the reputation of Frenc tal-Gharb, following allegations made by the mother of Daniel Holmes in an open letter earlier this week.

In the letter Mrs Holmes appealed for her son's case to be reconsidered and for him to be released from prison on humanitarian grounds.

She said in the letter that, "Frenc tal-Gharb had cured many sick people in Malta and Gozo and that his secret medicine was now known to be cannabis."

The Gharb Council said that "whilst sympathising with Mrs Kate Holmes, and without entering into the merits of the relative case, the Gharb Local Council expresses its disapproval following these remarks. Frenc tal-Gharb was a local icon and his reputation should not be tarnished with statements of this sort."

It added that it "unequivocally contests her groundless allegations and will be taking all necessary legal action to ensure that the memory of Frenc tal-Gharb would not tainted in any way or form."

"Frenc tal-Gharb was after all exemplary. He helped hundreds of persons overcome difficult times and was instrumental in generating devotion towards Our Lady of Ta' Pinu. He did not do this for personal gain, but simply as an expression of his devotion towards Our Lady of ta' Pinu," the Council concluded.

In 2011 Daniel Holmes he was sentenced to 10 years 6 months in prison and a fine of €23,000, after being found guilty of cultivating cannabis in Gozo.

In October 2013 he appealed his prison sentence for growing cannabis plants. His appeal was rejected and the sentence upheld.

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