More delay in case of Molly Ticehurst’s accused killer

Molly Ticehurst’s family and friends gathered in hope of seeing her accused murderer face court, only for his case to be delayed again.

Daniel Billings, 30, was due to face Parkes Local Court on Friday morning, charged with the domestic violence murder of Ticehurst.

During a brief mention in May, Magistrate Michael Maher ordered Billings to appear in court via audio-visual link for a committal.

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It would have been the first time Billings, who is in custody in the supermax wing of Goulburn jail, has appeared since June 2024.

But as Ticehurst’s parents and a large group of relatives and friends watched on from the small public gallery, the court was told Billings would not appear and the matter was adjourned until August.

Deputy senior crown prosecutor Lee Carr SC and Billings’ Legal Aid solicitor Diane Elston briefly discussed a subpoena.

Ticehurst, a 28-year-old childcare educator, was found dead in her home at Forbes in the NSW central west in the early hours of April 22, 2024.

Billings, her former boyfriend, is charged with her domestic violence murder, along with 16 other offences.

He had been freed on bail by a local court registrar a fortnight before the alleged murder on charges related to Ticehurst, including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent.

Billings was also charged with four counts of stalking and intimidating her, destroying her property and aggravated animal cruelty against her 12-week-old dachshund puppy in 2023.

Four more serious charges, including one count of aggravated sexual assault, were laid in December 2024.

Legal documents before the court accused Billings of threatening to cause Ms Ticehurst further physical harm during the alleged aggravated sexual assault.

Billings has not entered pleas.

Ticehurst’s death intensified a national campaign against domestic and gendered violence.

The movement sparked changes to NSW laws, including stripping registrars of the power to grant bail, “show cause” thresholds for domestic violence-related bail applications and electronic monitoring for accused people.

Billings’ case returns to court on August 15.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

In an emergency, call 000.

Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.