Lawyers of arsonist David Blagdon will discover next week if they are to be granted leave to seek a judicial review into the Home Office decision to keep him in a 'closed' prison.

Blagdon, 49, has served 22 years in prison since he admitted setting fire to church curtains in South Hinksey, Oxford, as a 'cry for help' following the death of his foster parents.

He is in Wellingborough Prison, Northants. If Blagdon's team's request fails, he could have to serve a further three years before he is eligible for parole.