Molly Ticehurst’s killer confesses to her murder

3 weeks ago 11

Molly Ticehurst’s ex-boyfriend Daniel Billings has confessed to her murder, more than year after the mother-of-one’s senseless killing galvanised the nation against domestic violence and changed the state’s bail laws.

Ticehurst, a 28-year-old childcare worker in the Central West town of Forbes, was killed in April last year by Billings after he was released from custody despite previous alleged attacks.

Molly Ticehurst (left) and her killer, Daniel Billings.

Billings, on Friday, fronted Forbes Local Court speaking only once – when the magistrate asked him to confirm his name.

“Yes, your honour,” Billings replied.

The court then heard that pleas were officially being entered for the most serious charges against him, including murder.

“That is to the charge of murder, Mr Billings enters a plea of guilty,” his lawyer told the court.

Further guilty pleas were entered to contravene AVO, among other charges.

He will be arraigned in the NSW Supreme Court next month ahead of his sentencing.

Billings was on bail when he killed Ticehurst. He had been charged with raping and stalking his former partner, and was facing one count of aggravated animal cruelty for killing her miniature dachshund.

He faced Dubbo Local Court on April 6, 2024, requesting bail.

But it was a Saturday, which means, due to a long-standing practice in country courts, no magistrate was available to hear the case.

Instead, it fell to a court registrar who decided to free Billings to bail on a $5,000 surety. A fortnight later, Billings murdered Ticehurst in her home.

Premier Chris Minns conceded Ticehurst was failed by the state’s justice system, admitting his government had “serious questions” to answer in the weeks after her murder.

“This was a terrible, terrible death. Can I just say in relation to the system, it has clearly let down Molly ... the status quo isn’t working. We need to be looking at change to keep people safe particularly as they’re awaiting justice,” he said.

Last June, laws requiring those accused of serious domestic violence charges to wear electronic monitoring devices while on bail passed parliament.

More to come.

If you or anyone you know needs support, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).