Family of Joanna Simpson 'terrified' as killer pilot Robert Brown seeks parole

The family of Joanna Simpson, who was brutally murdered by her husband Robert Brown, have expressed their fear over his potential release from prison.

Former British Airways captain, Brown, 60, is set to appear before a parole board in January after being convicted for the horrific murder of his estranged wife in 2010.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Joanna's mother, 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."

Brown savagely killed Joanna, 46, at her home in Windsor, Berkshire, within hearing distance of their children. The murder occurred after years of domestic abuse and just a week before their divorce was finalised.

He then buried her body in a pre-dug grave at Great Windsor Park.

Brown was sentenced to 26 years for manslaughter, claiming he was suffering from adjustment disorder at the time of the attack. His early release was due last year but was prevented by Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.

It was revealed last week that Brown is set to face the Parole Board in a two-day hearing scheduled for January 12 and 15. A panel of experts will assess his progress during his time in prison.

During a Judicial Review held last year, it was revealed that Brown showed "no remorse" and could potentially kill again.

The Ministry of Justice argued that he posed a "significant risk of serious harm" due to his "non-engagement" with probation officers and his failure to complete accredited courses to recognise his offending behaviour.

In January 2007, Joanna sought legal advice after Brown accused her of infidelity. The couple eventually separated, and Joanna was inspired by the outcome of the Radmacher v Granatino case, which established the enforceability of prenuptial agreements in the UK.

Her parents had urged her to sign a prenup with Brown. However, Joanna was tragically murdered by Brown on October 31, 2010.

Brown contacted the police regarding a "serious domestic incident" and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of involvement in Joanna's death. He accompanied the police when they recovered Joanna's body from the woodland area where he had disposed of it.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board 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."