Pilot who bludgeoned wife to death 'wanted to dodge release review'

Killer pilot who bludgeoned his estranged wife to death with a claw hammer ‘wanted to move to a Scottish jail to dodge release review’

• Robert Brown due for automatic release this year after serving half of 26 years
• British Airways pilot battered estranged wife Joanna to death with claw hammer 

Killer pilot Robert Brown asked to move to a Scottish prison after the Justice Secretary pledged to review his release, it emerged last night.

Brown, 59, is due for automatic release this year after serving half his 26-year sentence for killing his estranged wife, but Dominic Raab has promised a full review of the release, which could keep the killer behind bars.

The former British Airways pilot applied for a move to a Scottish jail following public anger that he could be freed after serving just 13 years for manslaughter.

The move would have meant his case would be transferred to the Scottish Justice system, meaning Mr Raab would be unable to use his powers to order a review of the release.

But the Justice Secretary blocked Brown’s request yesterday, Friday, March 10, keeping him within the English system.

Brown (pictured), 59, is due for automatic release this year after serving half his 26-year sentence for killing his estranged wife, but Dominic Raab has promised a full review of the release, which could keep the killer behind bars

British Airways pilot Brown battered his estranged wife Joanna Simpson (pictured) to death with a claw hammer within earshot of their two young children in 2010

The Deputy Prime Minister said: ‘Public protection is my number one priority and I will not permit any arrangement that could compromise our ability to manage a dangerous offender.’

‘Don’t let killer husband go free’: Family of mother Joanna Simpson make plea over her BA pilot husband who dug a grave then bludgeoned her to death with a hammer… and is set to be released after serving just 13 year – READ MORE

British Airways pilot Brown battered his estranged wife Joanna Simpson to death with a claw hammer within earshot of their two young children in 2010.

He buried her body in a grave he had previously dug in woodland in Windsor Great Park.

At his trial, he was acquitted of murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, and said he was suffering from stress-related ‘adjustment disorder’.

The court heard the estranged couple were locked in a legal fight over finances after Joanna, 46, filed for divorce.

She had endured years of abuse, harrasssment and intimidation during their marriage.

Her mother Diana Parkes, 84, has led a high-profile campaign for Brown to remain behind bars, and met with Mr Raab earlier this week.

The family has been told about Brown’s request to move to a Scottish prison, and Mr Raab’s decision to block the move.

The Joanna Simpson Foundation, which was started by Mrs Parkes and Joanna’s best friend, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, welcomed Mr Raab’s decision.

A spokesman said: ‘The Joanna Simpson Foundation welcomes Dominic Raab blocking Robert Brown’s application to move to a Scottish prison under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997.

‘The impending early automatic release of Robert Brown is a worrying time for many individuals but there has been fresh hope by progress made over the last week.

‘We appreciate the attention and rigour being applied by the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP and his team. We must ensure there is not another Jo.’

Under new legislation introduced last year, the Justice Secretary can order a review of automatic releases of prisoners if he believes there is strong evidence they could pose a risk to the public.

Her mother Diana Parkes, 84, has led a high-profile campaign for Brown to remain behind bars, and met with Mr Raab (pictured) earlier this week. The family has been told about Brown’s request to move to a Scottish prison, and Mr Raab’s decision to block the move

He can refer their cases to the Parole Board, even if the prisoner has served half their sentence and is due for automatic release.

Mrs Parkes’ campaign, launched in The Daily Mail earlier this month, has won support from Carrie Johnson, the wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and former Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Yesterday Rishi Sunak expressed his sympathies to Joanna’s family.

Downing Street described her killing as an ‘appalling crime’ and said the Prime Minister’s thoughts were with her loved ones.

However, the Prime Minister’s spokesman declined to give his view on the growing pressure to ensure the British Airways pilot is not freed.

Asked if Mr Sunak thought Joanna’s killer should stay locked up, the PM’s spokesman replied: ‘I think the Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed he’s reviewing that case. It’s important not to prejudice that process so I can’t comment any further.

‘But this was obviously an appalling crime and our thoughts remain with Joanna’s family and friends.’

The No 10 spokesman went on: ‘You’ve heard what the Government has said before about our ambition to ensure that there are tough sentences for the most dangerous offenders.

‘You’ll remember last year we set out reforms to restore public confidence in the parole system but I can’t comment any further on this specific case.’

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