Robert Brown, a former British Airways pilot, is scheduled for a parole hearing in early 2025, raising concerns about the potential release of a convicted killer. Brown was sentenced to 26 years for the manslaughter of his estranged wife, Joanna Simpson, in 2010. He bludgeoned her to death with a claw hammer in their family home while their two young children were within earshot, subsequently burying her body in a pre-dug grave in Windsor Great Park. Brown’s defense argued he suffered from adjustment disorder at the time of the attack, leading to a manslaughter conviction rather than murder. He was initially due for release in November 2023, having served only half of his sentence, sparking outrage and a successful campaign led by Joanna’s mother to block his release.
The Justice Secretary at the time intervened, using powers to detain Brown further, a decision upheld by the High Court following a judicial review. The review highlighted the risk of reoffending and Brown’s lack of remorse, with professionals describing him as hostile, superior, and dismissive. He has consistently refused to engage with rehabilitation programs, including those focused on healthy relationships and intimate partner violence. His continued resistance to these programs further reinforces concerns about his potential danger to the public. The upcoming parole hearing will determine whether Brown remains incarcerated or is released back into society.
The decision to hold the parole hearing behind closed doors has drawn criticism, particularly from Joanna’s family and friends, who advocate for transparency in the parole system. While the current Justice Secretary requested a public hearing to bolster public confidence, Brown argued that a public hearing would violate his right to privacy under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Parole Board ultimately ruled in favor of a private hearing, citing privacy concerns and the sensitive nature of Brown’s mental health, which will be a significant part of the hearing’s discussions.
Joanna’s mother, Diana Parkes, and her best friend, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, have expressed their anxieties about the upcoming hearing and their strong belief that Brown should remain imprisoned. They emphasize his lack of remorse, the brutality of his crime, and his disregard for rules and regulations, suggesting he poses a significant threat to the community. Parkes specifically cited Brown’s statement in court, where he claimed he would rather crash a plane full of passengers than go to prison, as evidence of his dangerous mindset. They implore the Parole Board to thoroughly examine Brown’s history of abuse, the nature of his crime, and his behavior in prison before making a decision that could have far-reaching consequences.
The Parole Board maintains that their decision will be based solely on Brown’s potential risk to the public and whether that risk can be managed within the community. They follow standard procedures in reviewing cases referred by the Justice Secretary. The board’s decision will have significant implications, not only for Joanna’s family and friends, who continue to grieve her loss and fear for their safety, but also for the public’s confidence in the justice system’s ability to protect them from dangerous individuals. The case highlights the ongoing debate between an individual’s right to rehabilitation and the imperative to protect society from those who pose a credible threat.
The upcoming parole hearing is fraught with tension and uncertainty. It will require the Parole Board to carefully weigh the complex and sensitive factors at play, including Brown’s history of violence, his lack of remorse and engagement in rehabilitation, and his potential for future harm. The decision will ultimately determine whether Brown remains incarcerated or returns to society, a decision with profound implications for all involved. Joanna’s family’s plea for justice and safety underscores the enduring impact of violent crime and the ongoing need for a robust and accountable criminal justice system.
