It's been 13 years since Joanna Simpson was brutally killed by her husband.

Robert Brown attacked the 46 year old with a claw hammer as their two young children were inside the house.

The British Airways captain then dumped her body

in a makeshift coffin in Windsor Great Park.

Cleared of murder, Brown was jailed for 26 years after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The lesser charge meant he was due to be out next month after serving half his sentence.

But now under new powers the Justice Secretary has blocked his automatic release.

I pay tribute to Joanna's mother and to Joanna's friends for the tireless campaign they've made.

So I made an undertaking to them that I would do everything I properly and lawfully could to ensure that justice was done in this case.

And that's why using the powers that are available under the 2022 Act,

I have exercised my discretion to block his automatic release which would otherwise have

happened. The news comes as a relief to Joanna's friend Hetti who fought against

Brown's release. It's overwhelming to be honest with you. It's the best news that we could have hoped for. I for one broke down because this has been living. We've been living with this for the last 11 years, 12 years. It's been a shadow over our lives and it's just the most

incredible relief.

Joanna's mother, Diana, feared Brown would still pose a threat if let out.

I fear he was a danger to anybody he came in contact with as Joe's friends, my family, and any woman that he may get a relationship with in the future.

He was so dangerous.

He was a psychopath.

He showed no remorse whatsoever for what he's done, none.

The case raises questions over automatic release, although since Joanna's killing, sentencing laws have become tougher.

Brown will now be referred to the parole board who will examine whether it is safe for him to be freed,

or whether he should remain in jail.

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