Molly Ticehurst’s alleged murderer returns to court amid renewed outrage

A man who allegedly murdered a young mother of one has returned to court amid calls for reforms to bail laws.

A man accused of murdering childcare worker and young mum Molly Ticehurst in NSW’s Central West will remain behind bars on remand following his latest court appearance.

Daniel Billings, 29, appeared from custody via AVL before Parkes Local Court on Thursday as he faces a slew of serious charges, including domestic violence-related murder.

Police allege Mr Billings sexually assaulted and intimidated Ms Ticehurst, a 28-year-old mother of one, for several months before killing her in the early hours of April 22, 2024.

Represented by Legal Aid defence solicitor Diane Elston, Mr Billings’ matter was mentioned briefly before the usual start of court on Thursday morning.

Molly Ticehurst was found dead at a home in Forbes. Picture: Supplied / Facebook

Ms Elton did not apply for Mr Billings’ release on bail, which was subsequently formally refused by the court. He will reappear before the court in November for charge certification.

It is during that appearance that police will confirm the charges against Mr Billings, who is currently facing 12 charges, including contravening an apprehended violence order.

The other charges are multiple counts of sexual intercourse without consent, destroying or damaging property, stalking or intimidating, as well as animal cruelty.

Daniel Billings has since been charged with her murder. Picture: Supplied

Ms Ticehurst’s alleged murder sparked outrage in April amid a renewed focus on domestic violence-related deaths, with calls for reforms to NSW’s bail laws.

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin on Wednesday said monitoring tools may have prevented Ms Ticehurst’s death.

“If we were watching that the way we watch people who are labelled as terrorists in our communities, then she might still be alive today,” Ms Cronin said at the National Press Club.