In a recent development, the government has intervened to block the automatic release of Robert Brown, a former British Airways captain who killed his wife, Joanna Simpson, with a claw hammer back in October 2010. Simpson, aged 46 at the time, was brutally bludgeoned to death by Brown in their Ascot, Berkshire home.
Brown, who had been convicted of manslaughter, was set to be freed in November after serving half of his 26-year prison sentence. However, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has taken action, referring the case to the Parole Board under public protection powers.
During the trial, it was revealed that Brown had committed the heinous act within earshot of their two children, who were only nine and ten years old at the time. Disturbingly, Brown then buried Simpson’s body in a pre-dug grave located in Windsor Great Park before turning himself in to the police the following day.
Although Brown was found not guilty of murder, the court heard that the couple’s acrimonious divorce proceedings had placed him under immense stress. As a result, he was sentenced to 24 years for manslaughter and an additional two years for obstructing a coroner.
The decision to block Brown’s release comes after Simpson’s family met with both Justice Secretary Alex Chalk and his predecessor Dominic Raab, in an effort to prevent Brown from walking free. Chalk expressed his commitment to closely examining the case and acknowledged the devastating impact it had on Simpson’s family and loved ones.
“I made a commitment to Joanna’s family that I would give this case my closest personal attention,” Chalk stated. “Having reviewed all the information available to me, I have blocked Brown’s automatic release and referred this case to the Parole Board using powers we introduced to protect the public from the most dangerous offenders.”
Simpson’s mother, Diana Parkes, expressed her hope that the Parole Board would recognise the danger posed by Brown. She further conveyed her concern for the safety of her family, Simpson’s friends, and any future female partners Brown may have.
