Lauren Huxley Attacker Denied Parole After 20 Years, May 28

The NSW State Parole Authority refused parole on May 28 for Robert Black Farmer, who attacked Lauren Huxley in November 2005. Farmer broke into her Northmead home, beat her with fibro cutters, tied her with electrical cords, doused her in petrol, and set the house alight. The victim’s family expressed relief, saying they can “breathe again” after 20 years of fear about his potential release.

Why the Parole Board Said No

The State Parole Authority accepted expert evidence from the Serious Offenders Review Council that parole was not appropriate. The board stated it was “not satisfied that his release to parole is sufficient for his re-integration and the protection of the public.” Farmer continues to deny responsibility for the attack, which the board cited as a major concern. The council recommended he complete one-on-one risk mitigation sessions with a psychologist given the horrific nature of his violent offence and his ongoing denial.

What Happened in 2005

In November 2005, Farmer, then 39, broke into the home of 18-year-old Lauren Huxley in Northmead, western Sydney. He attacked her with fibro cutters, shattering her skull, then tied her with electrical cords, doused her in petrol, and set the kitchen alight. Doctors gave Huxley a five percent chance of survival. She suffered catastrophic brain injuries but survived after years of rehabilitation. Farmer was sentenced to 24 years in prison in 2008 with a non-parole period of 20 years.

Family Relief and What Comes Next

Huxley’s sister Simone Gibson said the decision provided “a measure of relief and reassurance.” Her mother Christine told reporters, “We all burst into tears. I think I will be popping that champagne and having a toast.” Farmer’s full sentence expires in January 2031. He will not be reconsidered for parole until 2027 but has the right to apply for a review of the authority’s decision. The parole authority noted that Farmer has not participated in the Violent Offenders Therapeutic Program, only one-on-one sessions with a prison psychologist.

Huxley’s Ongoing Impact

Lauren Huxley has become a public advocate despite her injuries. She met Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 during his Sydney visit. In May 2026, she told Nine’s A Current Affair program that Farmer’s potential release “scares me for sure” because “you don’t know what is he capable of doing next.” Her sister said Lauren has been “thriving” over the decades but the family lived in fear of his release. The parole authority recognised “the profound and enduring harm caused to Lauren and her family by this offending.”

Final Thoughts

The NSW State Parole Authority’s refusal protects the public and honours the victim’s ongoing trauma. Farmer remains in prison until at least 2027 when he can reapply, giving the family continued security.

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