A man who received an Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence after a mobile phone robbery is set to return to prison more than 14 years after first being incarcerated, despite completing the minimum term set by the court years ago.
Thomas White, 43, was transferred to a secure psychiatric hospital in 2025 following years of mental health struggles in prison. His family says he will now be returned to a Category B prison after nine months of treatment, raising fresh concerns about the impact of the open-ended sentence on his wellbeing.
Case
Thomas White was sentenced in 2012 after being convicted of robbing a mobile phone.
The court imposed an Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence, requiring him to serve a minimum term of two years before he could become eligible for release.
According to his family, White has now spent more than 14 years in custody because release under an IPP sentence depends on demonstrating that an individual no longer poses a risk to the public.
Hospital
Last October, following a lengthy campaign by his family, White was transferred from prison to a medium secure psychiatric hospital in Northumberland for mental health treatment.
His sister, Pastor Clara White, said the family has now been informed that he will return to prison after approximately nine months of care.
She expressed concern that his mental health could deteriorate once he returns to prison.
“So his torture starts all over again,” she said.
Mental Health
White’s family says he experienced multiple mental health crises during his time in prison.
According to reports, he previously set himself on fire and injured himself while in custody.
Medical assessments in 2024 concluded that he has several mental health conditions and stated that his lengthy incarceration had created significant barriers to his recovery.
His transfer back to prison will reportedly mark his 14th move between prisons and treatment facilities since his sentence began.
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prisoner | Thomas White |
| Age | 43 |
| Original Conviction | Mobile phone robbery |
| Sentence | Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) |
| Minimum Tariff | 2 years |
| Time Served | More than 14 years |
| Current Status | Returning from secure hospital to prison |
IPP Sentences
Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences were introduced to detain offenders considered a continuing risk to public safety.
Although the sentence was abolished in 2012, the change was not applied retrospectively. As a result, thousands of people already serving IPP sentences remained subject to the original rules.
Many have spent years in prison beyond their minimum tariff because release depends on approval by the Parole Board rather than the expiry of a fixed sentence.
UN Concerns
The United Nations recently criticized the continued use of IPP sentences for those still serving them.
Three UN special rapporteurs said the system has contributed to prolonged uncertainty, worsening mental health, and repeated recalls to prison.
They warned that the psychological impact of indefinite detention could amount to “psychological torture.”
Campaigners have called on the UK government to introduce legislation allowing remaining IPP prisoners to be resentenced.
Government Response
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the government recognizes that IPP sentences were abolished and noted improvements in support for affected prisoners.
“It is right that IPP sentences were abolished, and as the IPP annual report shows, we have significantly improved support for these offenders,” the spokesperson said.
The ministry added that former hospital patients receive aftercare and expanded access to rehabilitation and mental health services.
It also said the government remains committed to achieving safe and sustainable releases while maintaining public protection.
Outlook
Thomas White’s return to prison has renewed debate over the future of IPP sentences in the United Kingdom. While the sentence was abolished more than a decade ago, hundreds of prisoners remain subject to its provisions, with campaigners continuing to call for broader reforms and resentencing for those still serving indefinite terms.
FAQs
Who is Thomas White?
A UK prisoner serving an Imprisonment for Public Protection sentence.
What is an IPP sentence?
An indefinite prison sentence based on public protection.
How long has Thomas White been imprisoned?
His family says he has spent more than 14 years in custody.
Why is he returning to prison?
His transfer from a secure hospital has ended after nine months.
What has the UN said about IPP sentences?
UN experts said they may amount to psychological torture.
