A CONVICTED arsonist jailed for 24 years for torching a church was back in custody last night for breaching the terms of his release from prison.

David Blagdon, 58, was wanted on recall to prison after he went missing from his home in Greater Leys, Oxford, almost two weeks ago.

Blagdon was described as the forgotten man of the British legal system after he spent 24 years in jail for setting fire to curtains and pews at St Laurence Church, in South Hinksey, in 1978.

He was released after a lengthy campaign which included more than 2,000 readers signing an Oxford Mail petition.

The Oxford Mail understands Blagdon was arrested in his car in Grantham, Lincolnshire, on Monday. He is due to be returned to prison for breaching his licence conditions.

Muriel Birch, 78, of North Leigh, and husband William campaigned for Mr Blagdon’s release 10 years ago. Mr Birch died in 2006.

Mrs Birch said: “David is like a son to me, but I have not seen him in such a long time.”