Alleged murder of Molly Ticehurst sparks DV overhaul banning registrars from bail decisions

It was the ‘bail fail’ that police allege led to the release of an accused DV offender, who later killed a young mum in the state’s west. After a year-long campaign, finally Molly Ticehurst’s death has sparked a massive change.

It was the “bail fail” that police allege led to the release of an accused domestic violence offender, who later killed a young mum in the state’s west.

Now, registrars in the NSW Local Court will be banned from making decisions on bail applications under sweeping domestic violence reforms, with the legal powers only bestowed to magistrates and judges.

Forbes mother-of-one Molly Ticehurst, 28, was tragically found dead inside her home during a welfare check last April, only 15 days after her ex-boyfriend Daniel Billings was granted bail by a local court registrar.

Her “brutal” death prompted a huge outpouring of grief and anger across the country about why Billings was freed on bail despite being charged at the time with raping Ms Ticehurst three times, stalking her, damaging her property and abusing her 12-week-old puppy.

Court documents said a registrar granted Billings bail on the condition he not enter Forbes, go near, or contact Ms Ticehurst and her family. But nearly two weeks after those orders were made, police allege he drove into the rural town and murdered Ms Ticehurst.

Molly Ticehurst, whose body was found in Forbes, NSW in April 2024.

The young mum’s death sparked nationwide anger. Picture: Supplied / Facebook

The tragedy sparked questions about why registrars – who primarily carry out administrative duties including listing and adjourning court cases – were being tasked with bail decisions.

The Saturday Telegraph can now reveal, almost a year after supporting calls to overhaul the system and deliver justice for Ms Ticehurst, that registrars are no longer able to make any bail decisions.

The Daily Telegraph’s coverage of the murder of Molly Ticehurst. Front page on April 24, 2024.

The new laws, which came into effect on March 14 after being announced last year, aim to ensure cases of domestic-family violence are handled with the utmost care, caution and expertise.

NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley said the reforms will “give the community greater certainty” in the state justice system.

“The NSW Government is making important changes to the court system to ensure the safety of the community and improve protections for domestic and family violence victim-survivors,” he said.

“Registrars perform a valuable public service and will continue to be involved in the daily administration of our courts.

“(But) decisions about bail can be difficult and complex, and the NSW Government believes they are most appropriately handled by a magistrate or judge.”

The community of Forbes held a Mother's Day walking event around Lake Forbes to honour Molly Ticehurst, who was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Picture: Dane Millerd

The laws come as tough new penalties for alleged domestic violence offenders also come into effect from this Monday with offenders who breach an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) to face up to five years’ behind bars.

As part of its legislative reforms last year, the government created two new offences targeting serious and repeat breaches.

Breaching an ADVO with the intention of causing harm or fear will carry a maximum penalty of up to three years’ jail, while those who breach an ADVO three times within a month face up to five years’ jail.

Existing penalties for breaching an ADVO, which carry up to two years’ jail, will continue to apply.

Serious alleged domestic violence offenders who are granted bail will also be electronically monitored by NSW Corrective Services.

NSW Premier Chris Minns attended Molly’s funeral. Picture: 9News

While Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders to monitor and supervise high-risk offenders, modelled on a scheme to combat organised crime, will begin later this year.

Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin, said the changes would make a practical difference to women and children who experienced serious and repeated violence, while also strengthening accountability for offenders.

“We need a multi-pronged approach to prevent domestic and family violence in our communities, and stronger penalties for ADVO breaches are an important piece of the puzzle,” she said.

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin. Picture: Richard Dobson

The changes build on the $230 million emergency domestic violence response package announced last year. At least $39 million has been invested to increase the capacity of the courts to support the bail reforms.

An additional four magistrates have been recruited to manage Local Court bail applications and recruitment is underway for another three.

As part of the capability boost, the number of acting magistrates also increased from three to six at the Centralised Bail Court at Parramatta Children’s Court, which now manages all first appearance bail applications.

Billings will front court on May 16 charged with Ms Ticehurst’s murder and 16 further offences.

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Originally published as Alleged murder of Molly Ticehurst sparks DV overhaul banning registrars from bail decisions