The courageous daughter of a disabled woman who was fatally attacked by her abusive partner has recounted the harrowing ordeal in court.
Robert Karl Huber, 69, subjected his partner Lindy ‘Kimmy’ Lucena, 64, to repeated physical abuse during their five-year relationship before ultimately taking her life on January 3, 2023, in Ballina, Australia.
Under the influence of alcohol and sedatives, Huber viciously assaulted Ms. Lucena, leaving her with severe injuries. Testifying in the NSW Supreme Court, Ms. Lucena’s daughter tearfully described the horrific aftermath of the attack that left her mother unrecognizable.
Driven by the memory of her mother’s fear and vulnerability, the daughter expressed the profound impact of losing her to such malevolence. She emphasized that while losing parents is a part of life, losing a mother to pure evil is an incomprehensible tragedy.
Although Ms. Lucena did not succumb directly to the injuries, Justice Stephen Rothman determined that the beating significantly contributed to her death, compounded by underlying health conditions. The court revealed a history of controlling behavior and physical abuse by Huber, which even caused Ms. Lucena to miss her daughter’s wedding.
Ms. Lucena’s cognitive and physical limitations following a previous stroke made her particularly vulnerable to exploitation by Huber, as noted by the judge. Huber, in a conversation with a psychologist, expressed remorse for her death but tried to downplay his actions, claiming to have struck her only twice, a statement the judge discredited based on evidence of multiple blows.
Highlighting Huber’s lack of genuine remorse, Justice Rothman condemned his failure to accept responsibility for the extent of the harm inflicted. Huber’s extensive criminal record, including breaches of protective orders and previous violent incidents, further underscored his dangerous nature.
Huber received a sentence of 12 years and nine months in prison, with a chance for parole in October 2032. Following the sentencing, an inquest will investigate Ms. Lucena’s death and the police response to the assault.
For confidential assistance, individuals affected by domestic abuse can contact the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) is available to offer specialized support for those who have lost loved ones to fatal domestic violence.
[Note: The CIPA Consent Notice was omitted for brevity and relevance to the rewritten article.]
