Probation officers are seeking a hostel place for arsonist David Blagdon, jailed for life for setting fire to a church.

The move follows a growing campaign for the release of Blagdon, 47, who was jailed 21 years ago for causing arson at St Laurence's Church in South Hinksey, Oxford. It was his fourth arson attack.

Judge Christopher Young sentenced Blagdon to life behind bars at a time when arsonists were given life sentences for their own safety.

Last week, the Oxford Mail called on Home Secretary Jack Straw to intervene in Blagdon's case. The Parole Board is not due to review the case until November.

On Tuesday, a probation officer visited Blagdon at Bullingdon Prison, near Bicester, and told him the service was seeking a place for him at a bail hostel in Abingdon Road, Oxford.

Blagdon's solicitor Kevin O'Gorman said: "This is good news because it shows that a structure is being put in place for David's release, once his case has been reviewed by the Parole Board.

"We can now say to the powers that be that provision has been made for David to be released back into the community. "Once David is released on licence he would have plenty of support and this would be an ideal starting point for him."

In a recent Central TV phone poll, 4,354 viewers said Blagdon should be released, while 76 viewers voted against him being freed.

Blagdon, of Kingston Lisle, near Wantage, says he set fire to the church in 1978 as a "cry for help" after the death of his step-parents.

Last year, he absconded from Leyhill Open Prison in Gloucestershire to highlight his case.

Blagdon said he was pleased with the public response, adding: "Fellow prisoners all support me and all the staff at the prison as well."

He said he had been psychologically evaluated as fit for release two years ago.

He said: "I would be very safe in public. I proved that when I was on the run."

No-one from the Probation Service was available for comment.

Story date: Thursday 11 February

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