Robert Brown’s life took a dark turn, culminating in the horrific killing of his ex-wife, Joanna Simpson, a crime that shocked Britain and continues to resonate years later. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Brown’s early life seemed promising. He excelled athletically, becoming a three-time UK trail-running champion, and fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a pilot, flying long-haul routes for British Airways. However, beneath this veneer of success lay a darker side that would eventually emerge with devastating consequences.
Brown’s path crossed with Joanna Simpson after her first divorce. Despite her parents’ immediate disapproval, finding him rude and arrogant, Joanna and Brown quickly moved in together, becoming engaged and marrying within months. Even on their honeymoon, doubts surfaced, with Joanna reportedly confiding in her parents that the marriage was a mistake. The arrival of two children did little to solidify the relationship, and underlying tensions continued to simmer.
The cracks in their marriage became irreparable in 2007 when Joanna consulted a solicitor following accusations of infidelity by Brown. The ensuing separation was further complicated by the landmark Radmacher v Granatino case, which strengthened the enforceability of prenuptial agreements in the UK, a legal instrument Joanna’s parents had encouraged her to sign. This legal backdrop added another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation.
The tragic climax of this turbulent relationship occurred on October 31, 2010. After dropping his children off at his pregnant girlfriend’s house, Brown brutally murdered Joanna and buried her body in Windsor Great Park. In a chilling act, he then called the police to report a “serious domestic incident,” leading them to the grim discovery. Brown’s defense hinged on a diagnosis of adjustment disorder, a condition characterized by a maladaptive response to stress. This defense, while controversial, ultimately resulted in a manslaughter conviction rather than murder.
The aftermath of the trial saw Brown sentenced to prison, eligible for parole halfway through his term. This potential release sparked widespread outrage and a campaign led by prominent figures like MP Jess Phillips, determined to keep him incarcerated. The public outcry proved successful, with Brown’s automatic release denied and his subsequent appeals failing.
The enduring impact of this tragic case continues to be explored, with the Channel 5 documentary “A Killer Makes a Call” shedding further light on the events leading up to and following Joanna’s death. Featuring exclusive interviews with those involved in bringing Brown to justice, the documentary aims to provide a deeper understanding of this complex and disturbing crime. It revisits the life of a man whose early promise was overshadowed by a dark descent into violence, leaving a legacy of grief and a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic abuse. The documentary serves as a platform for examining the legal and societal implications of the case, as well as the ongoing efforts to prevent future tragedies. It provides a voice to those affected and offers a critical analysis of the factors that contributed to this horrific act. By exploring the intricate details of the case, the documentary seeks to contribute to a greater understanding of domestic violence and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Ultimately, it serves as a call for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address this pervasive issue.
