Joanna Simpson’s killer Robert Brown challenges decision to keep him behind bars
A BA pilot who killed his estranged wife with a hammer has challenged the decision to block his release from prison.
Robert Brown killed Joanna Simpson, 46, in Windsor, Berks, on Halloween 2010.
He was due to be let out in November after half his 26-year sentence.
But Justice Secretary Alex Chalk used “powers to detain” to keep him behind bars.
It came after The Sun launched its Justice For Joanna campaign last year.
A Judicial Review started today at London’s High Court with lawyers for Brown, 60, arguing that proper policy was not followed because of the case’s high-profile nature.
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It was revealed that before a decision was made Mr Chalk had received letters from 220 MPs expressing their concern over the case.
Brown’s lawyer Philip Rule KC told London’s High Court: “There was no open mind being applied by the time you get to making a decision.
“This matter does not seem to leave the top of the pile for the minister because of the attention it is receiving.”
The hearing continues tomorrow.
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Joanna’s mum Diana Parkes has said she worries for her family’s safety should Brown be released on licence.
What happened to Joanna Simpson?
On Halloween in 2010, ex-BA pilot Brown killed Joanna, 46, at their family home in Ascot, as their two children played nearby.
Brown hit Joanna 14 times over the head, before placing her body into the boot of his car.
This had followed a sustained period of domestic abuse which included coercive control, isolation, intimidation and severe violence.
Joanna's body was found five days later buried in a pre-dug grave.
The tragic death of the mother-of-two took place just one week before the finalisation of their divorce.
Following her death, the Joanna Simpson Foundation was set up in her memory.
The foundations work is based on her beliefs, values, and the love of her children.