An indefinite AVO was made to keep Billings away from an unnamed young person.
Billings’ final words were that he understood the conditions.
Mourners at Molly Tichehurst’s funeral, Forbes, 2024.Credit: Geraghty
He will be arraigned in the NSW Supreme Court next month ahead of his sentencing.
Billings had dragged out his case for more than a year, putting the Ticehurst family through agonising delays and adjournments.
Outside court last week, after yet another adjournment from Billings’ end, Molly’s father, Tony Ticehurst, said the justice system continued to fail his daughter.
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“It seems to me that in life the system let Molly down and in death it continues the same route,” he reportedly told media.
“Instead of getting closure all we get is anxiety, sadness and heartache.”
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 $5000 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.
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Ticehurst’s funeral, at Forbes Rugby Club in May 2024, seemed to stop the nation as homes across the country town switched on their porch lights in her honour.
“Dear mum, I love you,” a four-year-old boy’s message was read to the gathered crowd.
“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.”
Minns was seated in the 1000-strong audience, head bowed along with then NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and Police Minister Yasmin Catley.
“Every parent would like to see their child change the world, but not at this cost,” Tony Ticehurst said through tears.
Last June, the NSW government passed “Molly’s law” to tighten bail on people accused of the most serious forms of domestic violence.
Molly’s law requires people accused of serious domestic violence to show why they should not be detained – effectively reversing the presumption of bail.
Those who are bailed must wear electronic monitoring devices so NSW Corrective Services can track their movements in real-time.
The laws also stripped power from registrars to grant bail.
Courts must also consider “red flag” behaviour when considering bail; sexual abuse, coercive control, stalking and injury to an animal among them.
If you or anyone you know needs support, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
