Simone O’Brien’s life changed irrevocably after a brutal attack by Glenn Cable, a man she had attempted to end a romantic relationship with. The mother of three survived an horrific ordeal, suffering 45 blows to the body with a baseball bat, resulting in severe injuries that included considerable loss of vision and extensive rehabilitation, requiring her to relearn basic skills such as walking and talking.
Cable was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the assault but is now eligible for parole after serving 80% of his sentence. O’Brien, reflecting on her harrowing experience, expressed her deep concerns about his potential release, stating, “I’m a prisoner in my own body for the rest of my life and for him to get out just doesn’t seem right.”
In his recent parole application, Cable allegedly claimed he acted in self-defence during the incident, which O’Brien found unbelievable. She remarked on his reasoning, questioning the legitimacy of his self-defence claim given the circumstances of the attack. This assertion was met with outrage from A Current Affair host Ally Langdon, who echoed O’Brien’s feelings of disbelief.
O’Brien indicated that Cable’s stance reveals a lack of remorse and suggests he has not changed during his time in prison, further stoking her fears about his possible release. The decision now rests with a parole board, which will evaluate Cable’s application and determine whether he will be granted early freedom.
This story highlights the ongoing struggle faced by survivors of domestic violence and the complex issues surrounding rehabilitation and parole for violent offenders. As the case unfolds, O’Brien continues to advocate for justice and safety for herself and others impacted by such traumatic experiences.