Nowra’s fear as Roderick Holohan, who bashed former police officer Samantha Barlow, released on parole

The controversial decision to release a man on parole – who bashed a female police officer close to death – into a NSW south coast town has residents on edge.

Samantha Barlow with husband Laurence Barlow. Picture: Damian Shaw

Fears a man who bashed a cop close to death could reoffend have been voiced in the south coast town where the offender has been released on parole.

Roderick Holohan, the man who attacked Sydney police officer Samantha Barlow with a brick 15 years ago, has moved to Nowra after the now 54-year-old was deemed fit for release by the NSW State Parole Authority.

Despite the “absolutely horrific” display of violence and Ms Barlow recently labelling him a danger to the community, Holohan was ushered out of Long Bay Jail earlier this month into the care of a charity who will rehabilitate him into the coastal town.

Roderick Holohan has moved to Nowra.

“Why our town?” concerned resident Cathy Macarthur told this publication.

“There are so many women here who have PTSD due to violence at the hands of men, so this is only going to make their anxiety worse.”

Another female resident, Michelle Trench agreed, saying violence against women in Nowra was already a problem.

“You’re not going to fix our issues by bringing convicted women abusers into the area,” she said.

In 2009, Roderick Holohan attacked the former NSW Police sergeant with a brick while she walked to work in Sydney’s Kings Cross.

Former NSW police officer, Samantha Barlow. Picture: Damian Shaw

The attack left Ms Barlow with a broken nose, fractured her skull and injured her neck.

Holohan took $200 from the officer before leaving her for dead.

One year later, Holohan was sentenced to 21 years behind bars after pleading guilty to break and enter and commit indictable offence, assault with intent to rob and armed robbery with wounding.

Ms Barlow agreed with the sentiment expressed by concerned residents when she spoke out about the decision to release Holohan, labelling it a risk to all women across the state.

“[Women] should always be looking over their shoulder,” Ms Barlow said.

“The politicians are really not serious about protecting women anymore.”

The NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison’s office told this publication community safety was the “highest priority” of the state government.

“What happened to Sam Barlow – a serving police officer at the time – was absolutely horrific,” a spokeswoman for Ms Harrison said.

“Our thoughts are with her following the independent State Parole Authority’s decision to release Roderick Holohan on parole.”

The Long Bay Correctional facility. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The spokeswoman said Holohan’s parole came with extremely strict conditions.

“Corrective Services NSW have placed an electronic monitoring device on the offender, and he has been excluded from 18 Local Government Areas,” she said.

“If the offender breaches any of those exclusion zones, police will be notified, and immediate action will be taken.”

However, Ms Barlow said it was not enough.

“One condition is to not break the law. How can that be an actual parole condition? No one is supposed to break the law,” she said.

“He bashed me until I was unconscious. When he went through my bag and discovered I was a sergeant, he went back and kept smashing me in the head until he thought he killed me.

“I feel sorry for the next victim and their family.”

Got a news tip? Email us at [e-mail]