David Blagdon, who is on the run after breaking the terms of his prison licence, will be jailed as soon as he is found.

Thames Valley Probation Service has confirmed that is the fate awaiting the 51-year-old, who was only released from prison in August after serving 24 years for setting fire to church curtains.

Chief probation officer Gerry Marshall said today it was policy for anyone who breached their prison licence, which sets down rules they must abide by once released, to be jailed immediately.

Mr Blagdon can appeal at a later date, but the process could take months.

He was released from Wayland Prison, Norfolk, in August after serving 24 years of a life sentence for arson at St Laurence's Church, in South Hinksey. He said he started the fire as a cry for help after his foster parents died.

Mr Blagdon was told on his release that he had to report daily to probation officers and see a psychiatrist.

But he failed to report on October 11 to the bail hostel in Oxford where he was also ordered to live. He has not been seen or heard from since.

The Home Office revoked his prison licence on October 18 and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Mr Marshall said staff at the hostel reacted swiftly and professionally to the situation.

Within minutes of Mr Blagdon's breach of curfew, police were informed. His solicitor and his supporters were asked to persuade him to return. But Mr Blagdon has not made contact.

Mr Marshall said: "Sadly, this type of behaviour by Mr Blagdon has been evident in the past.

"A detailed report was submitted to the parole board on October 18. They took the decision to recall him that same day.

"We're very disappointed Mr Blagdon absconded.

"We took every reasonable step to contact him and to avoid recall.

"However, it must be understood that he was released on life licence and the conditions of that cannot be broken without risk of recall.

"We have a professional job to do and key elements of our role are enforcement and public protection.

"Mr Blagdon has left us with no other option."

Mr Blagdon's solicitor Anita Bromley said the long fight to free him from custody would have to start again.