Killer ex-BA pilot Robert Brown's bid for freedom 'terrifies' victim's family

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 ex-British Airwayscaptain, 60, who battered his estranged wife Joanna Simpson to death in 2010, will be quizzed by experts in prison as he appears before a Parole Board in January.But today, speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Joanna's mum, Diana Parkes, said: "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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Brown bludgeoned Joanna, 46, to death at her Windsor, Berks, home within earshot of their children. It followed years of domestic abuse and was within a week of their divorce being finalised. He then buried her in a pre-dug grave at Great Windsor Park.

Brown was jailed for 26 years for manslaughter, after arguing that he was suffering from adjustment disorder at the time of the attack. He was due to be freed last year but his early release was blocked by Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.

Last week the Mirror revealed Brown is due to go before the Parole Board with a date set of January 12 and 15 for a two-day hearing. A panel of experts will interview him and see what progress he has made in prison.

During the Judicial Review held last year, the court heard Brown showed "no remorse" and could be at risk of killing again. The MoJ argued he was a "significant risk of serious harm" due to "non-engagement" with probation officers. He had also not completed accredited courses to recognise his offending.

In January 2007, Joanna went to a solicitor after Brown accused her of having an affair. Eventually, the couple split and Joanna was encouraged by the outcome Radmacher v Granatino case, which saw prenups being seen as enforceable in the UK. Her parents had encouraged her to sign a prenup with Brown. However, Joanna was killed by Brown on October 31, 2010.

Brown phoned the police about a “serious domestic incident” and was arrested on suspicion of being involved in Joanna’s death. He accompanied police when they recovered Joanna’s body from the woodland area where he disposed of her body.

A Parole Board spokesperson 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."

For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit** www.aafda.org.uk**.