Release of Robert Brown, Convicted of Killing Wife Joanna Simpson with a Hammer, Blocked

 

British Airways captain, Robert Brown, who brutally bludgeoned his wife Joanna Simpson to death with a hammer, will not be released from prison next month as scheduled. Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk has invoked new powers to ensure Brown remains incarcerated, and the case will now be reviewed by the Parole Board to assess his suitability for release.

Mr Chalk, who also serves as the justice secretary, expressed, “Joanna Simpson was bludgeoned and buried at the hands of Robert Brown, which left two children without a mother and caused irreparable harm to her family and loved ones.”

“I made a commitment to Joanna’s family that I would give this case my closest personal attention. 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.”

“Brown fatally attacked Ms Simpson with a claw hammer, while their two young children sought refuge in a nearby playroom. He then disposed of the 46-year-old’s body in an improvised coffin in Windsor Great Park.

Although acquitted of murder by a jury at Reading Crown Court in May 2011, he was incarcerated after previously admitting manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

Brown received a 24-year sentence for manslaughter and an additional two years for obstructing a coroner in the performance of his duties.

The decision to prevent his release follows a campaign led by Ms Simpson’s closest friend, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, and her family, including her mother Diana Parkes. This initiative garnered support from Carrie Johnson, the spouse of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.”

“This is an appalling case,” stated Mr. Chalk. “Anyone who has learned about the story of Robert Brown and Joanna Simpson cannot help but be deeply affected by its shocking nature and the immense distress it entails.

“I commend Joanna’s mother and her friends for the tireless campaign they’ve conducted.”

He went on to say, “I made a promise to them that, based on the facts as I saw them, were utterly, utterly appalling. I assured them that, as the secretary of state, I would do everything within my lawful and proper capacity to ensure justice is served for them, and indeed for society.

“I have scrutinized all the evidence in this case with great care, having personally undertaken this task. I have followed through on my commitment to take every possible step. What transpires from this point onward falls within the jurisdiction of the parole board.”

The referral was initiated under the “power to detain” provisions, which are in place to safeguard the public from hazardous individuals who pose a substantial risk of inflicting severe harm, and for whom conventional license conditions may not suffice for safe management.

The Parole Board will be responsible for determining whether Brown will be granted release.