Dominic Raab blocks Joanna Simpson killer’s second bid to move prisons after meeting with her family

JOANNA Simpson's killer has been blocked from moving prisons for the second time - so ministers can keep a closer eye on him.

Dominic Raab has turned down Robert Brown's latest plea to be transferred to a Scottish prison so he can be nearer his parents.

The Justice Secretary said last night: “Public protection is my number one priority and I will not permit any arrangement that could compromise our ability to manage a dangerous offender.”

If Brown had been transferred north of the border, ministers would have had no powers to ask the Parole board to think again about his release when it comes later this year.

Joanna's family - who are campaigning to keep him behind bars - are terrified of his release and fear he is still a huge danger to women.

Brown will be up for Parole after serving just half his sentence for killing Joanna with a claw hammer.

Earlier this week Mr Raab met with the family and told them he would do whatever he could to ensure the public were kept safe.

It comes after The Sun revealed he was blocked from being transferred to an open prison last year, too.

Joanna's family welcomed the latest move tonight, telling The Sun: “We welcome the decision that Dominic Raab has made in blocking Robert Brown’s application to move to a Scottish prison under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997.

“This means he will remain under strict supervision.

“We feel encouraged by the progress we have seen this week, but we remain deeply concerned that he will be given an early automatic release having only served half of his 26-year jail sentence.

“We strongly believe that Robert Brown must not be released for both the safety of Jo’s family and friends and the public.”

Diana Parkes, 83, Joanna’s mother, said: “We really welcome this news from the Justice Secretary Dominic Raab and we also want to thank The Sun for its campaign so far and all the support from their readers.

"We just need to keep going now and do all we can to prevent the early release of Robert Brown in November”.

Rishi Sunak's spokesperson said tonight of the tragic case: “There is a review and it’s important not to prejudice that process.

“Obviously, this was an appalling crime, and our thoughts remain with Joanna's family and friends.”

The spokesperson added it’s the PM’s “ambition to ensure that there are tougher sentences for the most dangerous offenders”.