David Blagdon is a step closer to freedom today, writes Andrew Ffrench.

In the wake of the Oxford Mail's campaign to get him out of jail, the parole board has recommended he be moved to an open prison.

Blagdon, 47, is serving a life sentence for setting fire to curtains at St Laurence's Church, South Hinksey, Oxford, in 1978, causing £1,200 worth of damage.

Earlier this year, we called on the Home Secretary Jack Straw to intervene in the case of the Category D prisoner, who is not considered dangerous. Now, following a meeting of the parole board, the prison service has agreed to act and Blagdon is expected to be moved soon from Bullingdon Prison, near Bicester, to an open prison.

A spokesman said: "The Home Secretary has accepted the parole board's recommendation that Mr Blagdon be returned to open conditions. We are currently in the process of identifying a suitable open prison."

In August, Blagdon, of Kingston Lisle, near Wantage, absconded from Leyhill open prison in Gloucestershire to highlight his case. He was absent for seven weeks before giving himself up. His solicitor, Kevin O'Gorman, said: "I have received a fax from the Home Office and the letter - which has also been sent to the governor of Bullingdon Prison - approves David's move to open conditions.

"However, it also includes a warning regarding his future behaviour. If he goes walkabout again, it could set his position back months and he must not do this. "This is the decision we have all been waiting for and the next step is to put pressure on the Lifer Review Panel to release David completely."

Blagdon has always maintained that he set fire to the church as a "cry for help" after the death of both his step-parents.

Story date: Tuesday 18 May

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.