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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n A remorseless criminal who bashed Lauren Huxley to near-death, doused her in fuel and lit her home on fire has been refused bail because he denies his crimes against the \u201cmiracle\u201d woman.<\/p>\n Robert Black Farmer, in 2005, broke into the then 18-year-old\u2019s home and shattered her skull with a pair of fibro cutters, tied her up with electrical cords and tried to burn the scene \u2013 with Huxley inside.<\/p>\n For 20 years, Farmer has sat inside prison denying his crimes, which include wounding with intent to murder. On Thursday, he took his first shot at parole, and failed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are not satisfied that his release to parole is sufficient for his re-integration and the protection of the public,\u201d a serious offenders report, quoted by the State Parole Authority, reads.<\/p>\n Huxley\u2019s family held a press conference outside the authority in Parramatta on Thursday, expressing their relief that Farmer would remain behind bars.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing can undo what my sister has endured nor the lasting impact this crime continues to have on our family,\u201d Huxley\u2019s sister, Simone, said on Thursday.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are extremely grateful that the parole [authority] took him to our considerations and how much the ongoing impact still has on our family and my sister in particular 20 years on.\u201d<\/p>\n Simone said her sister has been \u201cthriving\u201d over the decades, but she has lived fearing Farmer\u2019s potential release. She was deeply relieved, Simone said, hearing he had failed.<\/p>\n Farmer has not participated in the Violent Offenders Therapeutic Program, and instead had one-on-one sessions with a prison psychologist.<\/p>\n \u201cGiven the horrific nature of his violent offence and his ongoing denial, completion of the [sessions] in lieu of the VOTP is critical,\u201d the report states.<\/p>\n Huxley\u2019s parents, Christine and Pat, were told she would likely die of her injuries.<\/p>\n They stood beside Simone on Thursday and said their daughter was a \u201cmiracle\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re just so treasured that she\u2019s still here, and she\u2019s doing so well,\u201d Christine said.<\/p>\n Christine said she would be popping a bottle of champagne to celebrate the news.<\/p>\n Farmer he has been referred to, but not yet accepted into, the Corrective Services NSW Reintegration Intensive Support Program to help him re-enter society.<\/p>\n His sentence will end on January 31, 2031. At that point, barring any other changes, he will be released into society.<\/p>\n \u201cThe authority recognises the profound and enduring harm caused to Lauren and her family by this offending. We admire their courage and resilience, and our thoughts remain with them,\u201d a statement by the parole authority reads.<\/p>\n \u201cIn all decisions, the protection of the community, including the safety and wellbeing of victims and their families remains our priority.\u201d<\/p>\n Following Thursday\u2019s decision, Farmer has the right to apply for a review.<\/p>\n If a review application is not made, or is refused, the Authority\u2019s decision to refuse parole is confirmed and he will be reconsidered next year, ahead of his anniversary date.<\/p>\n If you need help contact Lifeline 13 11 14; beyondblue 1300 22 4636<\/p>\n Start the day with a summary of the day\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"Lauren](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/23fcfa993225a6f90430c83fd7fc3294a15c043a.jpeg\")
Lauren Huxley prepares for her 30th birthday in 2016.Dominic Lorrimer<\/p>\n![\"Lauren](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3d258ec94e6cb7d279e036f7fb9742cd0d878212.jpeg\")
Lauren Huxley\u2019s sister, Simone, and parents Christine and Patrick Huxley celebrate outside the NSW Parole Authority on Thursday.Steven Siewert<\/p>\n![\"Lauren](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/33e082d09122d13272c4cf72a99d896ad04be426.jpeg\")
Lauren Huxley and her sister Simone the day before her attacker was sentenced in 2008.Peter Morris<\/p>\n![\"Robert](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9d03e8cd95b5657a175fb3ea52d8d11ea772c753.jpeg\")
Robert Farmer will remain behind bars for his crimes against Lauren Huxley.10 News<\/p>\n