Joanna Simpson's killer Robert Brown is challenging the decision to keep him behind bars
A BA pilot who killed his estranged wife with a hammer has challenged the decision to block his release from prison.
Robert Brown killed Joanna Simpson46, in Windsor, Berks, on Halloween 2010.
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He was due to be released in November after serving half of his 26-year sentence.
But Attorney General Alex Chalk used 'detention powers' to keep him behind bars.
It came after The Sun launched its Justice For Joanna campaign last year.
A judicial review began today in London Supreme Court of lawyers for Brown, 60, arguing that proper policy was not followed due to the high-profile nature of the case.
That turned out before a decision was made Mr. Chalk had received letters from 220 MPs expressing their concerns about the matter.
Brown's lawyer Philip Rule KC said London Supreme Court: “There was no open mind applied by the time you made a decision.
“This issue does not seem to be staying off the top of the pile for the minister because of the attention it is receiving.”
The hearing continues tomorrow.
Joanna's mother Diana Parkes said she worries about her family's safety should Brown be released on license.
What happened to Joanna Simpson?
On Halloween in 2010, ex-BA pilot Brown murdered 46-year-old Joanna at their family home in Ascot while their two children played nearby.
Brown punched Joanna in the head fourteen times before placing her body in the boot of his car.
This followed a sustained period of domestic violence which contained coercive controlisolation, intimidation and serious violence.
Joanna's body was found buried five days later a pre-dug grave.
The mother of two's tragic death occurred just a week before the finalization of their divorce.
After her death, the Joanna Simpson Foundation was established in her memory.
The foundation's work is based on its beliefs, values and the love of its children.