About this episode

Diana Parkes discusses the parole board hearing of Robert Brown, who killed her daughter Joanna Simpson, and the ongoing fight for justice.

Mother of two, Joanna Simpson, was brutally killed by her estranged husband, British Airways pilot Robert Brown, on 31 October 2010. Brown smuggled a claw hammer in to Joanna's home and bludgeoned her to death before burying her body in a pre-dug grave. Despite this, Brown was acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter. He would serve just 13 years before becoming eligible for automatic release. Laura’s forensic analysis of Joanna's case, together with Joanna's extraordinary mother, Diana Parkes CBE, and best friend, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, ignited a grassroots movement that successfully prevented Brown's automatic release. But that was not the end. Brown was eligible for parole again in April 2026. Listen as Diana shares the all-important details of what happened at the Parole Board meeting – you won’t believe your ears. In this episode, Laura and Di discuss: The behind the scenes of the parole board process; The emotional impact on Joanna's family and loved ones; The Parole Board hearing – what the professionals recommended and the decision; Further insights into Robert Brown’s psychopathology; Lessons for professionals assessing coercive control, stalking and…

People in this episode

Host: Laura Richards

Guest: Diana Parkes

Topics covered

• parole board hearing
• domestic abuse
• justice
• psychopathology
• coercive control
• grassroots movement

Keywords

• Robert Brown
• Joanna Simpson
• parole board
• domestic violence
• manslaughter
• justice
• Diana Parkes
• psychopathology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Joanna Simpson Foundation

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