Neville Towner is one step closer to freedom with the NSW State Parole Authority likely to make a decision about his release in March.

Towner, who murdered four-year-old Lauren Hickson in Sydney’s west in 1989, appeared before a parole board last week.

A lawyer argued Towner shouldn’t be released until the effectiveness of his anxiety medication is reviewed.

Towner raped Lauren, before hitting her over the head with a rock and drowning her in the Nepean River.

Ray Hadley speaks with Lauren’s mother Jurina Hickson.

“They brought up his depression. My god Ray, we’ve been depressed for 29 years coming up.

“Justice Greg James said it didn’t warrant him keep Neville Towner in prison for the rest of his life.

“You only got to read Lauren’s coroner report, he just went ballistic.

“He’s a loose cannon.

“I just can’t believe the parole authority seems to be in a hurry to push him out the door.”

Listen to the full interview below