Wife killer ex-BA pilot Robert Brown's bid for freedom 'terrifies' family
Robert Brown, 60, is due to go before the Parole Board in January, with the family of his victim Joanna Simpson speaking out today
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, is set to appear before the Parole Board in January after serving time for the horrific murder of his estranged wife in 2010.
Speaking to the Mirror, Joanna's mother, Diana Parkes, shared: "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."
Joanna, 46, was killed at her home in Windsor, Berkshire, within earshot of their children, following years of domestic abuse. The murder occurred just days before their divorce was finalised.
Brown then buried her body in a pre-dug grave at Great Windsor Park.
Brown was sentenced to 26 years in prison for manslaughter, claiming he was suffering from adjustment disorder at the time of the attack. His early release was due last year but was blocked by Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.
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 what advancement he has achieved in custody.
During the Judicial Review conducted last year, the court was told Brown displayed "no remorse" and could pose a danger of killing once more. The MoJ contended he represented a "significant risk of serious harm" owing to "non-engagement" with probation staff.
He had also failed to finish accredited programmes to acknowledge his offending.
In January 2007, Joanna visited a solicitor after Brown alleged she was having an affair. Eventually, the pair separated and Joanna was buoyed by the result of the Radmacher v Granatino case, which saw prenups being regarded as binding in the UK.
Her parents had urged her to sign a prenup with Brown. However, Joanna was murdered by Brown on October 31, 2010.
Brown contacted the police about a "serious domestic incident" and was detained on suspicion of involvement in Joanna's death. He went with officers when they retrieved Joanna's body from the woodland location where he had dumped her remains.
A Parole Board spokesman said: "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."