The family of wife-killer pilot Robert Brown’s victim today revealed his bid for freedom has left them “terrified” of the risk he still poses
The family of Joanna Simpson, who was brutally murdered by her husband Robert Brown, have expressed their fear over his potential release from prison.
Brown, a former British Airways captain aged 60, bludgeoned his estranged wife to death in 2010. He is set to appear before a Parole Board in January for an assessment of his case.
Speaking to the Mirror, Joanna’s mother, Diana Parkes, shared her ongoing anguish: “We lost Jo in the most horrific and brutal way, and the pain of losing her has never left us. She was the most loving mother, daughter and friend.
“The idea that her killer might be released next year is terrifying. We can only hope that the Parole Board sees how much of a danger Robert Brown is, not only to Jo’s friends and family but also the public. We hope that he lives behind bars for many years to come.”
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Joanna, 46, was killed at her home in Windsor, Berkshire, within hearing distance of their children. The murder occurred after years of domestic abuse and just days before their divorce was finalised.
Brown then buried her body in a pre-dug grave at Great Windsor Park.
Brown received a 26-year sentence for manslaughter, having claimed he was suffering from adjustment disorder at the time of the attack. He was due for early release last year, but this was prevented by Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.
Last week it was disclosed that Brown is scheduled to appear before the Parole Board, with dates fixed for January 12 and 15 for a two-day hearing.
A panel of specialists will question him and assess his development whilst incarcerated.
During last year’s Judicial Review, the court was told Brown displayed “no remorse” and might pose a continued threat of committing murder.
The MoJ contended he represented a “significant risk of serious harm” owing to “non-engagement” with probation staff.
He had also failed to complete recognised programmes designed to help him acknowledge his criminal behaviour.
In January 2007, Joanna consulted a solicitor following Brown’s accusations of infidelity.
The pair eventually separated, and Joanna felt optimistic after the Radmacher v Granatino ruling, which established prenuptial agreements as legally binding in the UK. Her family had urged her to secure a prenup with Brown.
Nevertheless, Brown murdered Joanna on October 31, 2010.
Brown contacted police regarding a “serious domestic incident” and was detained on suspicion of involvement in Joanna’s death.
He guided officers to the woodland location where he had dumped her body.
A Parole Board representative stated: “An oral hearing has been listed for the parole review of Robert Brown and is scheduled to take place in January 2026. Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.
“A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.
“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing.
“The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”
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