NSW government to review Daniel Billings’ bail proceedings in wake of alleged murder of Molly Ticehurst

The NSW Premier has called for a briefing on how a man who allegedly murdered his ex-partner was released on bail 15 days before her death.

The NSW government will review how a man who allegedly murdered his ex-partner was released on bail 15 days before her death despite being charged with rape.

Emergency services had been called to perform a welfare check at a home on Young St in Forbes – more than 370km west of Sydney – about 1.50am on Monday

Upon arriving, police discovered the body of 28-year-old Molly Ticehurst.

Molly Ticehurst was found dead at a home in Forbes on Monday morning. Picture: Supplied

A crime scene was established.

Ms Ticehurst’s ex-partner Daniel Billings, 29, was later arrested at a property in Fifield, about an hour northwest of Forbes, and taken to Parkes Police Station.

He has since been charged with murder (domestic violence) and contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO.

Police will allege Billings was on bail at the time of the murder.

Daniel Billings has been charged with the murder of Molly Ticehurst in Forbes. Picture: Supplied

He was bailed on April 6 after being charged with three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, four counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic), two counts of damage or destroy property and one count of animal cruelty.

The charges allegedly relate to a series of offences where Ms Ticehurst was the alleged victim, before Billings was arrested on April 5.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has since ordered an urgent briefing about what happened in the lead-up to the alleged murder.

NSW Premier Chris Minns says he’ll be asking for a review into the bail proceedings of Daniel Billings. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

“A family has lost their daughter and the circumstances are horrifying for that community and that family,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“Our justice system must protect the community from those who pose an unacceptable risk.

“Listening to her dad … your heart breaks for him, he’s justifiably angry, he’s completely heartbroken, he wants answers as to what happened.”

Mr Minns confirmed a review will be announced on Wednesday.

“I can say all the normal stuff that people say about how their daughter was beautiful, but Molly really was,” Mr Ticehurst told 9 News.

“Someone’s got to be responsible.”

Molly Ticehurst was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner Daniel Billings.

On Monday, Central West Police District crime manager detective Inspector Jason Darcy said the alleged murder was “quite brutal”.

“It was terribly violent,” he said.

“I’ve got 34 years in the police, a former homicide detective. I’ve been to a few and it was quite brutal.”

A GoFundMe campaign has since been started to help for funeral costs and to give Ms Ticehurst “the best send off she deserves”.

“On Monday 22nd April 2024 the hearts of everyone were broken, finding out that the life of a beautiful Mother, Family Member, friend, educator, co worker and so much more was suddenly and tragically ripped away,” campaign organiser Daniel Swanston wrote.

“I’m hoping that I can help to ease a small piece of the pain by helping to raise funds to give Molly the best send off possible.

“I ask that if you can donate please do, anything is appreciated.

“May Molly’s wings flourish and may she rest in peace.”

Mr Billings remains in custody after he made no application for bail in Orange Local Court on Tuesday and it was formally refused.

He will next face court over the murder and other charges on June 20.

Originally published as NSW government to review Daniel Billings’ bail proceedings in wake of alleged murder of Molly Ticehurst