Father to be Released After 20 Years in Prison for Mobile Phone Theft

Leroy Douglas, 45, is set to be released next month after spending 20 years in prison for stealing a mobile phone. His case has drawn attention from the UN, which found his continued detention to be arbitrary under international law. Despite completing the minimum term of two and a half years set by the court in 2005, Douglas remained incarcerated due to the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) system. This system allows for indefinite detention of offenders deemed dangerous, even if they have served their minimum sentence. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed intentions to abolish IPP sentences. Douglas's family has expressed distress over the long wait for his release, highlighting significant life events he missed, including the death of his daughter. His sister, Natalie Douglas, criticized the severity of his sentence, stating that he did not commit violent crimes. Douglas is currently in HMP Erlestoke and will be transferred to a hostel upon release, where he will be subject to conditions including a curfew and GPS monitoring. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has urged the UK government to address the situation of IPP prisoners, with over 2,000 individuals still affected by the system. The government has committed to reviewing the cases of those who have served beyond their minimum tariffs, with plans for increased Parole Board reviews and support for prisoners preparing for release.