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Parole Board rules man not fit for release in hammer murder case
The Parole Board ruled that Robert Brown is not fit for release from prison. He was jailed for manslaughter in the death of his estranged wife Joanna Simpson in 2010 and will remain in custody until 2036 or until the board is satisfied he no longer poses a risk. The decision followed a hearing in April 2026, at which Brown did not attend and showed limited engagement with risk-reduction efforts.
Why It Matters
The ruling underscores how risk assessment and public protection are applied in high-profile cases, affecting victims’ families and community safety.
Timeline
12 Events
Parole Board rules not fit for release
May 11, 2026
The Parole Board ruled that Brown is not fit to be released. He will remain in custody until 2036, or until the board is satisfied he no longer poses a risk to the public.
Parole hearing continues (Day 2)
April 24, 2026
The Parole Board hearing continued across the next day as part of the proceedings.
Parole hearing begins (Day 1)
April 23, 2026
The Parole Board hearing took place; the panel heard evidence from two psychologists, a psychiatrist, the prison offender manager and the community offender manager. The panel noted none of the witnesses thought Brown had passed the test for release, and that he had not engaged in risk-reduction programmes or assessments.
Parole Board oral hearing date set
July 19, 2024
A Parole Board oral hearing was scheduled for July 19, 2024.
High Court rejects appeal
March 2024
The High Court rejected Brown's appeal against the detention decision.
Brown appeals detention decision
February 2024
Brown filed an appeal against the High Court's detention decision.
High Court upholds detention decision
February 2024
The High Court upheld the decision to detain Brown pending further parole considerations.
Parole Board case adjourned pending judicial review
November 24, 2023
The case was considered by the Parole Board and adjourned pending a judicial review.
Brown becomes eligible for automatic release
October 11, 2023
Brown became eligible for automatic release after serving half of his 26-year jail sentence for manslaughter.
Brown sentenced for manslaughter and obstructing a coroner
May 24, 2011
Brown was sentenced to 24 years for manslaughter and a further two years for an offence of obstructing a coroner.
Brown hands himself in to police
November 1, 2010
Brown surrendered to police the day after the killing.
Brown kills Simpson and buries her body in Windsor Great Park
October 31, 2010
Robert Brown killed Joanna Simpson with a claw hammer at her Ascot home and buried her body in a pre-dug grave in Windsor Great Park, with the couple's two children aged nine and ten in earshot.