The British Airways Killer: The Case of Robert Brown
London, 16 February 2026 – The case of Robert Brown, the former British Airways pilot known as the “British Airways Killer”, has returned to the public eye this week following the broadcast of a documentary detailing the 2010 killing of his estranged wife, Joanna Simpson. While the events occurred over a decade ago, recent legal challenges regarding Brown’s release and the televised retrospective have reignited national interest in the brutal killing and the subsequent legal rulings.
The Killing of Joanna Simpson
In October 2010, Robert Brown, then a captain for British Airways, attacked Joanna Simpson with a claw hammer at their family home in Ascot, Berkshire. The attack took place while their two young children were in the house. Brown subsequently buried her body in a pre-dug grave in Windsor Great Park. Despite the calculated nature of the burial, Brown was cleared of murder during his 2011 trial. He was instead convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, after providing evidence of an adjustment disorder.
Brown was sentenced to 24 years for manslaughter and an additional two years for obstructing a coroner by concealing the body, resulting in a total custodial sentence of 26 years.
Recent Developments and Documentary
Within the last seven days, a two-part documentary titled The British Airways Killer has aired on ITV, featuring archive footage of the couple’s wedding and Brown’s “no comment” police interviews. The programme has sparked renewed debate regarding the sentencing of violent offenders and the safety of the victim’s family.
In 2024, the Secretary of State for Justice intervened to block Brown’s automatic release at the halfway point of his sentence, citing concerns for public safety. Brown subsequently launched a legal challenge against this decision. As of February 2026, he remains in custody while serving his 26-year sentence.
Key Facts: The Robert Brown Case
The following table outlines the verified details of the case based on judicial records and historical data.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Perpetrator | Robert Brown |
| Victim | Joanna Simpson |
| Date of Incident | October 2010 |
| Occupation | Former British Airways Pilot |
| Conviction | Manslaughter (Diminished Responsibility) |
| Sentence | 26 Years’ Imprisonment |
| Current Status | Incarcerated (Release blocked by Ministry of Justice) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Robert Brown not convicted of murder?
The jury accepted Brown’s plea of diminished responsibility. Psychiatric reports suggested he was suffering from an adjustment disorder at the time of the killing, which led to a manslaughter conviction rather than murder.
Is Robert Brown still in prison?
Yes. Although he was originally eligible for release on licence in 2023, the Justice Secretary used legal powers to refer the case to the Parole Board, effectively blocking his automatic exit from prison due to the perceived risk he poses to the public.
Where can I watch the documentary?
The documentary The British Airways Killer is currently available for streaming on ITVX in the United Kingdom, having been broadcast on ITV1 in mid-February 2026.