Killer pilot ‘wanted jail move to aid freedom bid’

KILLER pilot Robert Brown asked to move to a Scottish jail in a bid to dodge a review of his release, it emerged last night.

Brown, 59, is due for automatic liberty this year after serving half his 26-year term for killing his estranged wife, but Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has promised a full review of the release – which could keep the killer behind bars.

The former British Airways pilot applied for a move to a Scottish jail following public fury that he could be freed after serving just 13 years for manslaughter. The move would have meant his case would be

‘Protection is my priority’

transferred to the Scottish justice system, meaning Mr Raab would be unable to use his powers to order a review.

But the Justice Secretary blocked Brown’s request yesterday, keeping him within the English system. He said: ‘Public protection is my number one priority and I will not permit any arrangement that could compromise our ability to manage a dangerous offender.’

Brown battered Joanna Simpson, 46, to death with a hammer in earshot of their two children in 2010, burying her in woods at Windsor Great Park.

At his trial, he was acquitted of murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, saying he was suffering from an ‘adjustment disorder’ after Ms Simpson filed for divorce.