THE mother of tragic Joanna Simpson met with the Justice Secretary this week in a bid to stop her daughter’s killer from being released from prison.
Mum Diana Parkes fears reprisals from Robert Brown, who killed his estranged wife Joanna at their family home within earshot of their two children in 2010.
He was acquitted of murder and has served 13 years for manslaughter – and is due to be released in November.
The Joanna Simpson Foundation told The Sun: “The Joanna Simpson Foundation appreciates the time that the Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk, has taken in meeting with Diana Parkes and Hetti Barkworth-Nanton.
“Diana and Hetti were able to explain to Alex Chalk the reasons why Robert Brown should not be given an automatic early release this November.
“Robert Brown is a dangerous man, thus meaning if he was to be released, then the safety of women and girls is at risk. We will continue to urge the Justice Secretary to use his powers to prevent Robert Brown’s early release to ensure that there is not another Jo.
“The Joanna Simpson Foundation is still asking for members of the public to write to their local MP to help the Justice Secretary understand the full public outcry that a killer could be released later this year.
“As always, we truly appreciate all the campaign support The Sun.”
The Justice Secretary said in a tweet: “It was a privilege to meet Diana and Hetti yesterday. What they have been through is unimaginable and their strength is truly inspiring.
“I will be looking at this case extremely closely.”
Back in 2010, Brown had hidden the claw hammer he used to kill Joanna in one of his children’s school bags when he came to drop them off at their home in Ascot, Berks.
Brown hit Joanna 14 times over the head within earshot of their two children, then bundled her lifeless body into the boot of his car.
This had followed a sustained period of domestic abuse which included coercive control, isolation, intimidation and severe violence.
Brown buried Joanna in a pre-dug grave and shockingly, despite all this, he was only convicted of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.
Joanna’s mother, Diana Parkes — who inspired Camilla, Queen Consort, to join her in a passionate campaign against domestic abuse — is asking that “the punishment fits the crime”.