Justice Secretary blocks release of Joanna Simpson's killer

Thu, 12 Oct 2023

Joanna Simpson

Robert Brown has had his automatic release blocked by the UK Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk, meaning he will remain in prison.

Joanna Simpson, who was brought up on the Isle of Man was killed by her ex-husband Robert Brown in 2010.

Brown was due to be released after 13 years without his case being reviewed, however the Justice Secretary has stopped the automatic release and has referred his case to the Parole Board where he will undergo a risk assessment before early release is considered.

Joanna’s mum, Diana Parkes set up the Joanna Simpson Foundation in 2020. The foundation was set up in Joanna’s memory and focuses on helping children on the Island who have been impacted by domestic violence.