Robert Brown is a former British Airways captain who killed his wife Joanna Simpson with a claw hammer in 2010. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 26 years in prison. He is currently challenging the decision to keep him behind bars and may be released soon. This article will explore the details of the murder, the trial, the prison life, and the current situation of Robert Brown and his victim’s family.
The Murder of Joanna Simpson
- Who was Robert Brown and who was Joanna Simpson?
Robert Brown and Joanna Simpson were a married couple who lived in Ascot, Berkshire, with their two children, aged nine and 10 at the time of the murder. Brown was a pilot for British Airways, while Simpson was a successful businesswoman who owned a five-star bed and breakfast in Ascot. They met in 1998 and married in 2003, but their relationship deteriorated over the years due to Brown’s jealousy, control, and violence.
- Details of the murder and Brown’s arrest
On October 31, 2010, Brown arrived at Simpson’s house to return their children after a half-term visit. He had a hammer hidden in the children’s bag, which he used to bludgeon Simpson repeatedly in the hallway, while the children were in the playroom. He then wrapped her body in plastic and put it in the back of his Volvo. He disconnected the phone and the CCTV system, and drove away with the children. He dropped them off at his home with his current partner, and then drove to Windsor Great Park, where he had already dug a grave and prepared a coffin for Simpson. He buried her there and returned to his home. The next day, he confessed to the police and led them to the body.
What Happened to Robert Brown
- The trial and sentencing
Brown was charged with murder, but he pleaded not guilty and claimed he had diminished responsibility due to the stress of the divorce proceedings and the fear of losing his children. He said he had a mental breakdown and acted on impulse. His defence team argued that he suffered from an adjustment disorder, a personality disorder, and a depressive disorder. The prosecution, however, said that he planned the murder and acted out of anger and revenge. They presented evidence of his abusive behaviour towards Simpson, his preparation of the grave and the coffin, and his attempts to cover up the crime. The jury found him not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. He was sentenced to 24 years for manslaughter and two years for obstructing a coroner, a total of 26 years.
- Prison life and rehabilitation efforts
Brown has been serving his sentence at HMP Woodhill, a high-security prison in Milton Keynes. He has been taking part in various rehabilitation programmes, such as anger management, cognitive skills, and victim awareness. He has also been studying for a degree in psychology and criminology, and has been praised by prison staff for his good behaviour and progress. He has maintained contact with his children through letters and phone calls, and has expressed remorse for his actions.
Where is Robert Brown Now?
- Current whereabouts and status
Brown is still in prison, but he is due to be released in November 2024, after serving half of his sentence. This is because he was convicted of manslaughter, not murder, and therefore he is entitled to automatic release without parole or risk assessment. However, his release has been blocked by the government, who has referred his case to the Parole Board under public protection powers. The Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk, said that he made this decision after reviewing all the information available and giving the case his closest personal attention. He said that Brown’s release would pose a serious threat to the public and to Simpson’s family and friends. The Parole Board will now review Brown’s case and decide whether he is suitable for release or not.
- Impact of the murder on Simpson’s family
Simpson’s family and friends have been devastated by the murder and the trial. They have been campaigning for justice and for Brown to stay in prison for the rest of his sentence. They have also been supporting Simpson’s children, who have been living with their maternal grandparents since the murder. Simpson’s mother, Diana Parkes, said that Brown’s release would be a nightmare for them and that they feared for their safety. She said that Brown was a dangerous and wicked man who should never be allowed to walk free. Simpson’s best friend, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, who is also the chair of the domestic abuse charity Refuge, said that Brown’s case was an example of the low status given to domestic homicides by the criminal justice system. She said that Brown should have been convicted of murder and given a life sentence, and that his release would be an insult to Simpson’s memory and a betrayal of her children.
Conclusion
Robert Brown is a former pilot who killed his wife Joanna Simpson with a hammer in 2010. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 26 years in prison. He is now challenging the decision to keep him behind bars and may be released soon. His case has sparked outrage and controversy among Simpson’s family and friends, who have been fighting for justice and for his imprisonment. The government has blocked his automatic release and referred his case to the Parole Board, who will decide his fate. The outcome of this case will have a significant impact on the lives of Simpson’s children, who have been orphaned by their father’s crime, and on the wider issue of domestic violence and homicide in the UK.
