Leroy Douglas, a father who has spent 20 years in prison for stealing a mobile phone, is set to be released next month. His case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the United Kingdom's Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentencing system, which has drawn criticism for keeping individuals incarcerated long after their minimum sentences have expired.

Douglas, 45, was one of five prisoners whose cases were reviewed by the United Nations. The UN found that their continued detention amounted to arbitrary detention under international law. Despite completing the minimum two-and-a-half-year sentence set by the court in 2005, Douglas remained imprisoned under the IPP system. His impending release comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to end IPP sentences before the current Parliament concludes.

Douglas's family stated that his life has been "stolen" from him. His sister, Nathalie Douglas, told the Daily Mail that her brother missed significant life events, including the death of his daughter at age 19. "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."

Douglas was convicted of petty theft, including shoplifting as a teenager and stealing the phone while addicted to drugs. Instead of a fixed sentence, he received an IPP sentence. Introduced in 2005, IPP sentences were intended for offenders considered dangerous but whose crimes did not warrant a life sentence. Although a minimum term was set, release was not automatic and depended on the Parole Board deeming the individual safe for return to the community. These cases were subject to reviews at least every two years.

The IPP system was abolished for new cases in 2012, but it was not applied retrospectively, leaving thousands of prisoners, like Douglas, subject to sentences that continued beyond their minimum tariffs. Douglas is currently held at HMP Erlestoke in Wiltshire and is scheduled to transfer to a hostel next month, which will be located hours away from his family.

His release follows a broader political discussion about early prison releases aimed at combating overcrowding. This initiative has faced backlash due to concerns about the potential release of serious offenders. Douglas's family has criticized the timing of these early release plans, particularly given that individuals like Douglas were kept incarcerated for decades. "They're releasing people early now," Nathalie said. "And yes, my brother should have been one of the first ones, I think, to be released."

Nathalie believes her brother could 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 stated. "It make 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 conclusion that the prisoners had been detained arbitrarily has intensified pressure on the government and supported the families' pursuit of justice. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention urged Britain to take immediate steps to rectify the situation, a finding Nathalie described as a "watershed moment" that validated her family's long-held concerns.

Campaigners have welcomed the government's commitment to ending IPP sentences and addressing their consequences. However, they emphasize that legislation alone cannot compensate for the years lost in prison or on strict post-release licenses. More than 2,000 individuals are still affected by the legacy of the IPP system, including those currently incarcerated and those released but subject to strict probation rules.

Leroy's sister Nathalie (pictured) has said the UK's justice system has 'locked [her brother] up and just thrown away the key'

Douglas is expected to reside in a hostel for up to two years as he adjusts to life outside prison. "He haven't stepped foot outside for 20 years, so I can imagine like he's feeling a bit overwhelmed himself," Nathalie said, adding that the family plans to support him gradually. 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, increasing the frequency of Parole Board reviews and exploring additional support for release preparation. He noted that a cross-party approach would be taken for these complex cases, involving public protection and victim considerations.

Leroy is pictured with his sister Nathalie as children

For Douglas's family, the political debate is secondary to his return home. Nathalie reflected on what her brother's life might have been had he not been imprisoned, suggesting he might have settled down with children and potentially started his own business. "His life has really been ruined. It's been stolen away," she said.