LONDON- British Airways (BA) pilot Robert Brown is set to face a parole hearing as he seeks release from prison. The convicted killer, who murdered his estranged wife, Joanna Simpson, near London Heathrow (LHR), will be assessed by experts in January 2026.
Brown, 60, was originally scheduled for release in November 2023 after serving half of his sentence, sparking public anger and government intervention. The Parole Board has now confirmed a two-day oral hearing where his risk to the public will be closely reviewed.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrBritish Airways Pilot Parole
Robert Brown’s case will return to the Parole Board on January 12 and 15, 2026. A specialist panel will question him, review his behavior in custody, and examine whether he poses an ongoing risk.
Reports from probation officers, psychiatrists, and psychologists will be presented alongside statements from the victim’s family.
Brown was convicted of manslaughter in 2011 after attacking his wife, Joanna, with a claw hammer at their family home on October 31, 2010. Their two children were nearby during the assault. He then buried her body in a pre-dug grave at Windsor Great Park.
At trial, he claimed he was suffering from an adjustment disorder and was sentenced to 26 years in prison.
Photo- Tvcameraop; Wikimedia CommonsGovernment Intervention
When Brown became eligible for release in 2023, Joanna’s mother, Diana Parkes, led a campaign opposing his freedom. She warned that he remained a threat to her grandchildren and lacked remorse. Then-Justice Secretary Alex Chalk intervened, using emergency powers to block the release.
The decision was challenged in the High Court but upheld after evidence showed Brown had not completed rehabilitation programs and continued to show signs of being a significant risk.
The Ministry of Justice argued he had not engaged with probation officers and might reoffend if released.
The Parole Board has emphasized that its process is evidence-based and focused entirely on public safety. Members will review extensive documentation before the January hearing, including the original crime, Brown’s prison conduct, and testimony from experts.
Witnesses such as probation staff, psychologists, and victim representatives will provide statements. Brown himself will also be questioned under scrutiny. According to officials, oral hearings can last more than a day, with panels weighing both past behavior and evidence of any change.
Photo: Frank Kovalchek | FlickrJoanna Simpson’s Case
Joanna Simpson had separated from Brown in 2007 after he accused her of having an affair. The split followed ongoing disputes over finances and a prenuptial agreement, which her parents had encouraged her to sign.
On the night of October 31, 2010, Brown attacked her and later phoned the police claiming a domestic incident.
He accompanied officers when they discovered Joanna’s body in Windsor Great Park. His conviction for manslaughter, rather than murder, led to controversy, given the brutality of the crime.
The January 2026 hearing will determine whether Robert Brown remains behind bars or is allowed supervised release. The Parole Board has stressed that protecting the public is its top priority and that no decision will be made without thorough consideration of all risks.
For Joanna Simpson’s family, the case continues to represent a fight for justice and safety. The upcoming hearing will once again test whether Brown’s freedom can ever be justified against the harm he caused.
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