Man who killed wife with hammer not fit for release

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Man who killed wife with hammer not fit for release3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleAmanda DellorSouth of EnglandThames Valley PoliceJoanna Simpson was killed with a claw hammer at her home in AscotThe Parole Board has ruled that a former airline captain who was jailed for killing his estranged wife is not fit for release. Robert Brown killed Joanna Simpson, 46, in Ascot, Berkshire, in October 2010. He was due to be freed in November 2023 after serving half of his 26-year jail sentence for manslaughter, but his release was blocked by the government.

Following a private hearing, the Parole Board has now ruled that Brown is not fit to be released from prison. He will remain in custody until 2036, or until the board is satisfied he no longer poses a risk. Brown, formerly of Winkfield, Berkshire, killed Simpson with a claw hammer at her Ascot home within earshot of their two children, then aged nine and 10, a court previously heard.

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He buried her body in a pre-dug grave in Windsor Great Park before confessing to the police the following day. The former pilot, then aged 47, was found not guilty of murder after a jury was told the couple's bitter divorce proceedings had put him under great stress. He was sentenced to 24 years for manslaughter and a further two years for an offence of obstructing a coroner.

PA MediaJoanna Simpson's mother Diana Parkes (left) and best friend Hetti Barkworth-Nanton founded the Joanna Simpson Foundation after her deathJoanna Simpson's mother Diana Parkes CBE said: "I am incredibly relieved that the Parole Board has decided not to release Robert Brown. "We have all lived with the fear that this might not be the case but thank goodness it was unanimously agreed he should not be released. "My daughter would have been 62 on the 6 May, and, of course, we remember her as the beautiful and vivacious woman she was at 46.

That is how I will always remember her. " She went on to praise her grandchildren: "Joanna's children have grown to be the most wonderful young people. "They have been my salvation over the years and I feel sure I have been theirs.

I have every faith that they owe their tenacity and strength to the early years spent with their mother who adored them as indeed I do.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.