Mum of murdered Joanna Simpson receives CBE for campaign to keep daughter’s killer Robert Brown behind bars
THE mother of murder victim Joanna Simpson received a CBE from the Princess Royal yesterday for her tireless campaign to keep Jo’s killer husband behind bars.
Diana Parkes, backed by The Sun’s Justice For Joanna campaign, convinced Justice Secretary Alex Chalk to block Robert Brown’s automatic release after serving half his sentence.
The British Airways pilot bludgeoned Jo to death within earshot of their two kids 13 years ago.
His case will now go to the Parole Board.
Diana, co-founder and co-patron of the Joanna Simpson Foundation, got the honour for services to vulnerable children suffering domestic abuse and domestic homicide.
She said at Windsor Castle: “I felt incredibly honoured to have received my CBE today from The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.
“The Princess was incredibly welcoming and warm. It will be a day that neither me or my family will ever forget.
“Whilst today is a day of celebration for me and my family and a surreal opportunity, it is also very bittersweet as I would not have received a CBE had my daughter, Jo, not been brutally killed by her estranged husband.
“With this honour, I vow to continue ensuring children who are impacted by domestic violence and domestic homicide are supported and protected under the Foundation set up in my daughter’s name.”
Queen Camilla credits Diana’s work with inspiring her to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
