Who is Robert Brown and what crime was he convicted of?

Robert Brown is a former British Airways pilot who was convicted of manslaughter for bludgeoning his wife, Joanna Simpson, to death with a claw hammer in 2010.

When and where did the murder of Joanna Simpson occur?

Joanna Simpson was murdered by Robert Brown with a claw hammer in their family home in Ascot, Berkshire, on Halloween 2010.

Why is Robert Brown's parole hearing being held behind closed doors?

The parole hearing for Robert Brown is being held behind closed doors because the Parole Board chairman ruled that his right to privacy outweighed the public interest in an open hearing.

Home / Crime and Justice / Pilot's Hammer Murder: Killer Brown Faces Parole Board

Pilot's Hammer Murder: Killer Brown Faces Parole Board

18 Apr

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Summary

Robert Brown bludgeoned wife Joanna Simpson with a hammer in 2010.
He pleaded guilty to manslaughter on diminished responsibility grounds.
His parole hearing is set to be held behind closed doors next week.

Pilot's Hammer Murder: Killer Brown Faces Parole Board

A former British Airways pilot, Robert Brown, 61, is scheduled to appear before a Parole Board next week. Brown was convicted of manslaughter in 2010 for bludgeoning his wife, Joanna Simpson, 46, to death with a claw hammer in their Ascot, Berkshire home. The attack occurred within earshot of their two young children, who were aged nine and ten at the time.

Brown admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, citing a stress-related adjustment disorder. Following the murder, he buried Ms Simpson's body in Windsor Great Park. He was initially due for automatic release in November 2023, but the former Justice Secretary blocked this, referring the case to the Parole Board.