Leroy Douglas, who has spent two decades in prison for stealing a mobile phone, is scheduled for release next month. His case has become a focal point in the growing movement to abolish Indefinite Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, a system that allowed offenders to remain incarcerated beyond their minimum tariff.

Douglas, 45, was sentenced under the IPP system in 2005 for offenses including petty theft and stealing a Nokia phone. Despite completing his minimum two-and-a-half-year sentence, he remained imprisoned. His case was highlighted by the UN, which found that the continued detention of him and four other prisoners amounted to arbitrary detention under international law. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to end IPP sentences before the current parliamentary session concludes.

Douglas's sister, Nathalie Douglas, told the Daily Mail that her brother's life has been 'stolen' from him. "It's like they've just locked him up and thrown the key away, and just forgotten about him," she said. "His life has been stolen from him, just for stealing a mobile phone."

During his imprisonment, Douglas missed significant family events, including the death of one of his daughters at age 19. "He has two daughters. One passed away when she was 19," Nathalie stated. "My brother hasn't been able to even grieve for her."

The IPP sentencing system, introduced in 2005, was intended for offenders deemed dangerous but whose crimes did not warrant a life sentence. It allowed for indefinite detention until the Parole Board deemed an individual safe for release. The system was abolished for new cases in 2012, but its retrospective application has left thousands of individuals serving sentences that extend far beyond their original tariffs.

Douglas is currently held at HMP Erlestoke and is slated to be transferred to a hostel next month. His release comes with conditions, including a curfew, GPS monitoring, and drug testing. His family expressed frustration that the government is now considering early releases for other prisoners to alleviate overcrowding, while individuals like Douglas have remained incarcerated for decades under IPP sentences.

Nathalie Douglas believes her brother should have been released years ago. "He's fit for release. He was fit for release a long time ago, so I don't understand why they've kept him in so long," she said. "It makes me feel very angry because for 20 whole years, he's been locked up in jail when he should have been out a very long time ago for stealing a mobile phone."

The UN's findings have added pressure on the government, which has committed to ending the IPP sentence system and addressing its consequences. Campaigners, however, caution that legislation alone may not fully rectify the harm caused by prolonged imprisonment or indefinite licenses.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Norris stated that the government is reviewing how individuals who have served beyond their original tariffs can safely progress through the system. "We are already increasing the frequency of Parole Board reviews and looking at what additional support is needed to help suitable prisoners prepare for release," Norris said. "We’re going to take a cross-party approach to this issue, these are complex cases, involving important public protection and victim considerations."

For Leroy Douglas's family, the focus remains on his return home. "My mum is fine, but she just can't wait to have him home," Nathalie said. "Obviously, it's been horrendous, you know, not being able to like see her then every day. It's been terrible for her."

Douglas is expected to reside in a hostel for up to two years as he reintegrates into society. "He haven't stepped foot outside for 20 years, so I can imagine like he's feeling a bit overwhelmed himself," Nathalie added. The family plans to support him gradually as he adjusts to life outside of prison. They reflect that without his sentence, he might have settled down, perhaps started a business, but his life has been irrevocably altered.