The courageous daughter of a disabled woman who was fatally assaulted by her cruel partner has recounted the harrowing ordeal in court. Robert Karl Huber, 69, inflicted repeated violence on his partner Lindy ‘Kimmy’ Lucena, 64, throughout their five-year relationship before ultimately causing her death on January 3, 2023, in Ballina, New South Wales, Australia.
Under the influence of alcohol and sedatives, Huber launched a brutal attack on Lucena, resulting in severe injuries. Lucena’s daughter emotionally described how her mother’s body bore the brunt of the vicious assault, leaving her unrecognizable. She expressed her anguish over the loss of her mother, emphasizing the heinous nature of her death.
While Lucena did not succumb directly to her injuries, the court determined that the beating significantly contributed to her death, compounded by underlying health issues. Huber, with a history of controlling behavior and physical abuse towards Lucena, had exploited her vulnerabilities stemming from a previous stroke.
Despite Huber’s self-blame for Lucena’s death, the court dismissed his version of events as untrue, citing evidence of multiple strikes during the assault. Justice Rothman criticized Huber for his lack of genuine remorse and highlighted his extensive criminal past, including breaching a domestic violence order and previous violent incidents.
Huber received a sentence of 12 years and nine months in prison, with the possibility of parole in October 2032. Subsequent to the sentencing, an inquiry will investigate Lucena’s death and the law enforcement 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) offers specialized support for those who have lost loved ones to domestic violence; more information is available at aafda.org.uk.