Robert Black Farmer denied parole over Lauren Huxley attack

The NSW State Parole Authority denied parole to Robert Black Farmer on Thursday after reviewing his conviction for the 2005 attack on lauren huxley. The decision keeps the 39-year-old inmate in prison and pushes any reconsideration to 2027.

Northmead Attack

Farmer was 18 in November 2005 when he entered Huxley’s home in Northmead, in western Sydney, bound and beat her, doused her in petrol and set the property alight. Huxley survived with horrific injuries, including permanent brain damage.

He was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison in 2008. The authority said Farmer’s ongoing denial and community protection concerns were reasons for refusing parole, and it relied on expert advice from the Serious Offenders Review Council.

Parole Authority Reasons

The authority said Farmer had completed two offender programs but had not participated in the Violent Offenders Therapeutic Program. In the council’s recommendation, it referred to “given the horrific nature of his violent offence and his ongoing denial''” and said, “We are not satisfied that his release to parole is sufficient for his re-integration and the protection of the public,''”

In its statement, the authority said, “The authority recognises the profound and enduring harm caused to Lauren and her family by this offending,” and, “We understand the concerns they have raised and that of the community.”

Huxley Family Response

Lauren Huxley’s parents and sister were due to address the media after Farmer was refused parole. The family’s story was brought back into public view in 2025 when the ABC’s Australian Story revisited the details of the assault.

Farmer can apply for a review of the authority’s decision, but he will not be reconsidered for release until the anniversary of his sentencing in 2027.