Joanna Simpson’s killer could be among first prisoners to have release blocked thanks to legal shake-up
A KILLER who bludgeoned his wife to death could be one of the first prisoners to be blocked from release by reforms.
New Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has vowed to push ahead with the legal shake-up after a “moving” appeal from Joanna Simpson’s family.
Ex-BA pilot Robert Brown, 59, killed his estranged wife Joanna, 46, in 2010 in Ascot, Berks, as their children played nearby.
Brown admitted manslaughter and was jailed for 26 years. He is now eligible for parole later this year.
Joanna’s family are terrified he will come after them.
Powers to allow ministers to overrule parole chiefs are expected in months, Mr Chalk told The Sun.
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He said that speaking with Joanna’s mum Diana Parks was “one of the most powerful and moving meetings I’ve ever had”.
And Mr Chalk vowed to push ahead with parole reforms that will give him the power of veto.
It came as Harry Potter author JK Rowling hit out over Brown, asking: “Why is he being set free?”