Robert Brown’s appeal to the judicial review declined

The friends and family of Joanna Simpson heard that Robert Brown appealed the decision made by the High Court earlier this year – that appeal has been declined.

The judicial review, which took place in February 2024, ruled in favour of the Ministry of Justice and agreed that the Secretary of State for Justice acted lawfully when he decided to block Robert Brown’s early automatic release from prison.

Whether he will now serve the rest of his 26 year sentence in prison or be released earlier is now the responsibility of the parole board, which has a duty to fully assess Brown’s continuing dangerousness and ensure it only makes a direction for release if it is satisfied that the public is not at risk and can be properly protected from Brown.

Diana Parkes said: “I am pleased the decision has been taken to block Robert Brown’s appeal to the judicial review judgement. The denial of Brown’s appeal has shown that the High Court made the right decision in agreeing with the Secretary of State for Justice using the powers to block the automatic release of my daughter’s killer. We now hope the Parole Board to see how dangerous Brown is and will not release him. I would like to extend my thanks to all those who have supported the campaign in making sure my daughter’s killer is not released from prison.”

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton said: “The outcome of the appeal is certainly welcomed by me. As Jo’s friend, but also Chair of Refuge, I couldn’t stand by and do nothing . This decision to deny his appeal shows that our concerns were entirely valid. Brown’s release is now in the hands of the parole board and he won’t be released until the end of his 26 year sentence unless they decide he is no longer a risk to the public. It’s down to the media and members of the public who have helped us to make sure this case was brought to the attention of the Justice Secretary and the Ministry of Justice and for that I am hugely thankful.”