“If I end up dead, he 100 percent did it,” Molly Ticehurst texted her friend six weeks before her ex-boyfriend, Daniel Billings, broke into her home and murdered her—exactly as he had vowed to do. The tragic event unfolded in April last year in Forbes, a town in Central West New South Wales, leaving a community in shock and igniting a national outcry against domestic violence.
After a year of delays that tormented Ticehurst’s grieving family, Billings finally confessed to the senseless killing. His guilty plea was entered at Forbes Local Court, marking a significant moment in a case that has galvanized the nation and led to significant changes in the state’s bail laws.
The Case Against Daniel Billings
Molly Ticehurst, a 28-year-old childcare worker, was murdered after Billings was released on bail despite a history of alleged violent behavior. On Friday, Billings appeared in court with short dreadlocked hair, speaking only to confirm his name. “Yes, your honour,” he replied when asked by the magistrate.
The court heard that Billings entered a guilty plea to the charge of murder, as confirmed by his lawyer, Diane Elston. Additional guilty pleas were entered for contravening an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) and a charge of animal cruelty. A raft of other charges against him were withdrawn and dismissed.
Details of the Crime
A fact sheet released by the court revealed that Ticehurst had previously reported to police that Billings had raped her, smashed her car window, and killed her dachshund puppy. She had also informed officers of his repeated threats to kill her, stating that he planned to climb through her bedroom window as she slept.
“I will come in the middle of the night … I will get to you if that is the last thing I do,” Ticehurst told police of Billings’ threat.
Billings was arrested and faced Dubbo Local Court on April 6, 2024, requesting bail. However, due to a long-standing practice in country courts, no magistrate was available to hear the case on a Saturday. Instead, a court registrar granted him bail with a $5000 surety, despite the serious charges.
Just two weeks later, Billings followed through on his threats. It took him exactly 59 seconds to break into Ticehurst’s home, stab her 15 times with a hunting knife, and return to his car, according to the fact sheet. Although Billings denied raping Ticehurst, he left several handwritten notes to friends and family on the day of the murder, including one claiming, “Innocent!!!”
Community and Family Reactions
Billings’ actions and the subsequent delays in the legal process have deeply affected Ticehurst’s family and the Forbes community. Her mother sat in court, visibly emotional, as the guilty plea was entered. Outside the courthouse, about 50 locals gathered in support, some wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “She matters.”
The crowd erupted in applause when the Ticehurst family emerged from the court. For more than a year, the family endured agonizing delays and adjournments. Molly’s father, Tony Ticehurst, expressed his frustration with the justice system, stating, “It seems to me that in life the system let Molly down and in death it continues the same route.”
On Friday, an emotional Tony Ticehurst thanked the people of Forbes, acknowledging their unwavering support. “Every week I’m thankful for the support from the people of Forbes,” he said. “But today is a special day and I really appreciate the support from the people of Forbes and surrounds, and all my friends.”
Impact on Bail Laws and Justice System
The case has prompted significant changes in New South Wales’ bail laws. Premier Chris Minns admitted that the justice system had failed Ticehurst, stating, “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.”
New regulations now require those granted bail to wear electronic monitoring devices, allowing NSW Corrective Services to track their movements in real-time. Additionally, registrars have been stripped of the power to grant bail, and courts must consider “red flag” behaviors such as sexual abuse, coercive control, stalking, and injury to an animal when making bail decisions.
Looking Forward
Billings is set to be arraigned in the NSW Supreme Court in December ahead of his sentencing. As the legal proceedings continue, the Ticehurst family and the Forbes community remain hopeful that justice will be served and that the changes in the legal system will prevent future tragedies.
Ticehurst’s funeral, held at Forbes Rugby Club in May 2024, was a poignant moment for the town. Homes across the country switched on their porch lights in her honor, and a touching message from a four-year-old boy was read to the gathered crowd, capturing the profound loss felt by all who knew her.
“Dear Mum, I love you. I miss our holidays together and our tickle fights. I miss you a lot, and I will love you every day and night. You are the best mum in the world.”
As the community continues to heal, the legacy of Molly Ticehurst serves as a reminder of the urgent need for systemic change to protect those most vulnerable to domestic violence.
If you or anyone you know needs support, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service is available at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
