Man who bashed cop utters three words to reporter after prison release

WARNING: Distressing content

A man who brutally attacked a NSW Police officer with a brick 15 years ago in Kings Cross has apologised for his actions just days after he was released from prison.

Roderick Holohan bashed then-sergeant Samantha Barlow over the head while she was walking to work in Sydney’s Kings Cross in May 2009.

She sustained a fractured skull, broken nose and neck injuries, and endured 22 months of extensive rehabilitation.

Holohan was sentenced to a maximum of more than 19 years in prison over the attack, during which he stole Barlow’s purse, phone and bag while believing the officer was dead.

On Wednesday, the now 54-year-old Holohan was released from Long Bay Prison on parole more than 15 years into his sentence.

7NEWS reporters briefly spoke to Holohan in Nowra, where he is expected to live.

He had just three words to say: “I’m very sorry.”

His parole conditions include attending a violent offenders program, limits on where he can go in NSW, and a total drug ban.

Images obtained by 7NEWS of Holohan at his temporary accommodation revealed he was also sporting an ankle bracelet.

Barlow has said she believes these measures will not be enough to keep the community safe.

“He really is a danger to society,” she told 7NEWS.

“It’s only a matter of time and I believe it will be sooner rather than later.”

Two weeks ago, the State Parole Authority granted Holohan parole stating it had “diligently considered” reports by Community Corrections and the Serious Offenders Review Council, and expert psychiatric opinion.

“It carefully considered the statement and submission of the victim, Samantha Barlow, and those made on behalf of the Commissioner CSNSW,” it said.

“All the matters raised were given significant weight by the Authority in the balancing exercise that it must undertake.

“The Authority has come to the view that the community safety is better protected by monitoring this offender on a very lengthy period of supervised parole with strict conditions to manage his reintegration and reduce his risk of reoffending.”

The authority added it believed if Holohan was released at the end of his sentence there would be “no risk mitigation plan in place and no supervision, and the danger posed to community safety would be substantially greater”.

The brutal crime made headlines, with court documents at the time describing how Holohan picked up a rock from a garden bed in the park before approaching Barlow and asking her for the time.

As Barlow stopped and turned, Holohan hit her twice with the rock in the face, before she fell to the ground.

Holohan then hit her two more times at the back of her head, knocking her unconscious.

He then dragged her further into the park “so no one could see her”.

She was left lying in the park, while Holohan ran off with her purse, mobile phone, and shoulder bag.

Barlow suffered “significant injuries” in the attack, the court was told.