A HOMELESS man who was jailed for endangering the lives of staff and residents at a hostel by setting fire to himself died on the day he was released.

Daniel Davies, who had a long history of drink and drug issues, passed away at Great Western Hospital on December 1.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned by the Swindon coroner while a pathologist’s report establishing the cause of death is prepared.

The 45-year-old had been saved by a charity worker in January after setting his clothes on fire at the Culvery Court hostel.

A friend, who asked not be named, said: “He was found collapsed in the street and he was taken to hospital.

“It was the day he was released from prison.

“Despite what happened at the hostel, in the end no one could save him, it’s very sad.”

Mr Davies set himself on fire at the 20-bedroom centre run by Threshold Housing Link in Swindon town centre.

Settlement worker Peter Evans heard the fire alarm going off in the middle of the night and rushed to the room where he had to force open the barricaded door.

The hostel worker was praised by Judge William Hart at Swindon Crown Court in August as Mr Davies was sentenced for arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

The inquest was opened and adjourned on December 17 .