Mother of woman killed by pilot pleads with justice secretary to step in to halt possible release

26 February 2023, 21:00 | Updated: 26 February 2023, 21:02

Joanna Brown was bludgeoned to death with a claw hammer in 2010
Joanna Brown was bludgeoned to death with a claw hammer in 2010. Picture: Thames Valley Police

By Adam Solomons

The mother of a woman killed by her husband as their kids sat scared in the next room has asked the justice secretary to block his release from prison.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Joanna Brown was bludgeoned to death with a claw hammer by British Airways captain Robert Brown in October 2010. Their children sat scared in the next room.

The ex-pilot, who dumped his wife's body in Windsor, told police he'd been "stitched up" by a pre-nuptial agreement.

Diana Parkes, 83, has said that Brown's planned release is "nonsensical".

She said: "Our family is very fearful.

"Not only our family, but my daughter's friends and indeed the public at large. I fear for women that he might come into contact with."

Read more: Bodies of missing hiker Kyle Sambrook and his dog found in Glencoe following major search

Read more: Shamima Begum is 'a risk', daughter of ISIS victim tells LBC after jihadi bride's failed citizenship appeal

Robert Brown is set to be released in November
Robert Brown is set to be released in November. Picture: Thames Valley Police

Brown was jailed for 24 years for manslaughter and handed an extra two years for obstructing a coroner in the execution of his duty at Reading Crown Court.

He had been acquitted for Joanna's murder at Reading Crown Court in May 2011, but had previously admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Brown is now due to be released on licence at the half-way point of his sentence this coming November.

Joanna's heartbroken mother also called on Justice Secretary Dominic Raab to step in and halt Brown's planned release.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has been asked to step in
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has been asked to step in. Picture: Alamy

She said: "I would ask him to check our case very carefully and see how absolutely nonsensical it is that Brown is being released halfway through his sentence when the Probation Service is so understaffed.

"And I ask who is going to monitor him for 13 years of his licence?

"I really have no faith in the Probation Service being able to do this."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "This was an appalling crime and our thoughts remain with Joanna Simpson's family and friends.

"The deputy prime minister will do everything in his power to keep the most dangerous offenders behind bars and has pledged to give this case his closest personal attention."

'Lowly qualified' probation officers being sent to 'high risk prisons' is a problem says parole lead

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Holidaymakers Begin Christmas Getaway

More than 700,000 passengers suffered delays after password of engineer allowed to work remotely didn't work

Weather maps show areas of the UK which could be hit by snow

UK weather maps show regions expected to see heavy snowfall as cold and wintry spell on the way

Cynthia Erivo

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo says feeling like an outsider and 'not fitting in' drew her to role of Elphaba

Robert F Kennedy Jr

Donald Trump picks anti-vaccine activist Robert F Kennedy Jr to lead Department of Health

France and Israel fans clash with police in Paris despite ramped up police presence following Amsterdam unrest

France and Israel fans clash amid ramped up police presence in Paris for UEFA Nations League game

c

'I hope I live to see the day': Ex-political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza shares wish to see Putin on trial for war crimes

M5 Motorway, Bristol, UK. 4th July, 2022. A rolling roadblock has been formed to protest the cost of fuel. Protestors have set off from Bridgewater and are holding up traffic by driving slowly along the M5 Motorway. Credit: JMF News/Alamy Live News

Teenager hit and killed in horror M5 collision after fleeing police car named

Exclusive
Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza recalls 'longest day of his life' after historic prisoner swap between Russia and West

Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza recalls 'longest day of his life' after historic prisoner swap between Russia and West

Mohamed Al Fayed's brother Salah accused of sexual assault and trafficking by former Harrods employees

Mohamed Al Fayed's brother Salah accused of sexual assault and trafficking by former Harrods employees

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Man who turned up outside Parliament in armour carrying samurai swords wanted to 'speak with Boris Johnson'

Basem Naim, a Hamas leader

Hamas prepared for 'immediate' ceasefire in Gaza but claims Israel has not offered any 'serious proposals' in months

London, UK. 9 October 2023. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaking during the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Matt Crossick/Empics/Alamy Live News

Rachel Reeves to 'rip up financial red tape' with pension 'mega funds' freeing up £80 billion for investment

Labour divided over assisted dying as MP who introduced bill hits out at Health Secretary

Labour divided over assisted dying bill as MP tabling legislation labels Wes Streeting's objections 'disappointing'

Reverend Sue Colman was asked to step back after the Makin Report found her and her husband Jason knew about John Smyth's abuse and failed to act

Mustard heir and Church of England minister wife step back from church roles after damning abuse report

File photo of Broadway Market, where the attack took place

Horror as 'man doused in bleach' in busy Hackney market with manhunt underway and attacker still at loose

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to string of sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to sex attacks including indecent assault against teen