The family of Robert Brown, a former British Airways pilot convicted of killing his estranged wife Joanna Simpson in 2010, is preparing for his upcoming parole hearing. Despite pleas from Joanna’s mother, Diana Parkes, to keep the hearing public, it will be conducted privately.
Brown, now 61, will face a Parole Board panel on April 23 and 24 to determine his release eligibility. This hearing follows a referral by the then-Justice Secretary Alex Chalk in 2023. Diana and advocate Hetti Barkworth-Nanton expressed their anticipation of this development, remembering Joanna as a cherished daughter, mother, and friend who was tragically taken from them.
The crime took place when Brown fatally attacked Joanna at their Windsor residence, leading to his imprisonment for 26 years for manslaughter. Despite an attempt for early release last year, it was blocked by the Justice Secretary. Brown challenged this decision in court in 2024, alleging political motives behind the denial, but the High Court dismissed his appeal.
During the legal proceedings, it was highlighted that Brown exhibited no remorse and posed a risk of reoffending due to his lack of engagement with probation services. Joanna had sought legal advice in 2007 following accusations by Brown of infidelity, leading to their separation and her unfortunate demise in 2010.
Diana emphasized the enduring pain of losing Joanna and expressed concerns about Brown’s potential release, urging the Parole Board to prioritize public safety. The family hopes that Brown remains incarcerated for an extended period to prevent any further harm.