Family of killer pilot Robert Brown's victim preparing themselves for freedom bid

Family of killer pilot Robert Brown's victim preparing themselves for freedom bidJoanna Simpson's family today told how she was "taken from us in the most brutal way" as they prepare to fight killer Robert Brown's bid to walk free later this monthNewsDan Warburton Senior News Reporter08:51, 19 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesRobert Brown was jailed for 26 years for manslaughter after he killed his wife, Joanna Simpson, in their family home in 2010(Image: PA)The family of wife killer pilot Robert Brown's victim are steeling themselves for his latest freedom bid.‌The ex-British Airways captain, 61, who battered his estranged wife Joanna Simpson to death in 2010, will go before a Parole Board panel within days. The hearing will be held in private after justice officials declined a request to make it public - despite Joanna's mum, Diana Parkes, saying she was "terrified" at the prospect of Brown walking free.‌Brown will be quizzed by professionals over two days on April 23 and 24. In a statement given to the Mirror, Diana and campaigner Hetti Barkworth-Nanton said: “We knew this day was coming after the then-Justice Secretary Alex Chalk referred Brown’s release to the parole board in 2023. This is therefore exactly as we expected.‌View 3 ImagesJoanna Simpson, 46, was bludgeoned death at her home in Windsor, Berks, within earshot of her children (Image: PA)READ MORE: Baby P's mum doesn't deserve second chance says detective who interviewed 'monster'READ MORE: Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann admits murdering seven women"Joanna was a kind and loving daughter, mother and friend. She was taken from us in the most brutal way and is deeply missed every day”.Brown bludgeoned Joanna, 46, to death at her Windsor, Berks, home within earshot of their children. It followed years of domestic abuse and was within a week of their divorce being finalised. He then buried her in a pre-dug grave at Great Windsor Park. Brown...