A penal reform group has criticised the sentencing of arsonists to life imprisonment, in the wake of the campaign to free David Blagdon.

Blagdon, 47, is serving a life sentence for setting fire to curtains at St Laurence's Church in South Hinksey, Oxford, in July, 1978.

Earlier this month, the Oxford Mail called on Home Secretary Jack Straw to intervene immediately in the case, which is not due to be reviewed by the Parole Board until November.

The Howard League for Penal Reform, which is familiar with Blagdon's case, has now called for a change in sentencing policy regarding arson.

Assistant director Fran Russell said: "We are concerned that people have been receiving life sentences inappropriately and this continues today.

"People who commit arson are seen as being violent criminals when, in fact, the arson is simply a cry for help.

"With proper attention and the right assistance, they can overcome the problems which lie behind the arson in the first place." Blagdon, who is now at Bullingdon Prison, near Bicester, where he is not considered dangerous, has told how he set fire to the church as a cry for help after his step-parents died.

He torched the church pews and curtains, causing £1,200 damage, because he thought life would be easier behind bars. It was not his first arson offence.

Blagdon's solicitor Kevin O'Gorman and barrister Alan Masters are trying to arrange a meeting with Lord Williams of Mostyn QC, Home Office minister for prisons, to secure his immediate release on licence.

Mr O'Gorman said: "David is aware that a lot of people are supporting him and is pleased about that. Perhaps I am being optimistic, but I would like to see him released before his 48th birthday in May."

The Howard League for Penal Reform was formed in 1866 and was one of the first organisations to promote the idea of probation. Its recent campaign for the segregation of teenage girls from adult women in Britain's jails prompted a change in the law.

Ms Russell added: "We are also concerned at the operation of discretionary life sentences, whereby if a person does not conform within prison, then they will remain there regardless of whether or not they are really a danger to society. That can lead to great injustice."

Story date: Monday 15 February

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