The family of Molly Ticehurst have made a strong plea for the introduction of a new law to ensure authorities are aware at all times of the whereabouts of people on bail accused of domestic abuse.
Daniel Billings, 29, is alleged to have murdered Molly Ticehurst, 28, at the home they used to share in Forbes, 375 kilometers west of Sydney, in the early hours of Monday, April 22.
The tradie and amateur boxer was out on bail at the time and facing a series of very serious charges, including raping and stalking Ms Ticehurst.
Her death has sparked national outrage and prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to announce the state government is considering urgent bail reforms.
Now Ms Ticehurst’s family have called for changes to the law to ensure police are alerted if alleged perpetrators breach bail or other court directions.
Daniel Billings, 29, is alleged to have murdered Molly Ticehurst (pictured), 28, at the home they used to share in Forbes, 375km west of Sydney, in the early hours of Monday, April 22
Ms Ticehurst’s family have called for changes to the law to ensure police are alerted if alleged perpetrators breach their bail or other court directions
This could take the form of electronic monitoring devices, such as ankle bracelets, which are already used for people on parole.
Family spokesperson Jacinda Acheson said Mrs Ticehurst had been let down by the justice system.
“There needs to be something that says if you get bail today, we’re going to know where you are as soon as you walk out of there,” Ms. Acheson told police. ABC.
“The monitoring equipment needs to be put in place and it needs to become Molly’s Law.
“Molly did everything she could and when she finally got brave enough – and let’s make it abundantly clear that Molly was brave, very, very brave and courageous – to ask for help, the help wasn’t given.
“The justice system has failed Molly; the victim support teams failed Molly.
“In Molly’s case, the police did everything they could to keep Molly safe.”
Phil Donato, state member for Orange, met with Ms Ticehurst’s father on Monday and expressed his support for wearing electronic tracking devices.
“It’s already working in parole,” Mr. Donato said.
‘There is no reason why it cannot also be extended to the protection of victims of domestic abuse.
“If they were to enter an area where they were not supposed to go, the authorities or the victim could be alerted as quickly as possible.”
Mrs Ticehurst’s family and friends are also calling on people across the country to pay tribute to her on Wednesday evening by leaving their lights on.
‘Things happen in the dark. Leave your lights on for Molly,” said family spokesperson Mrs. Acheson.
‘Speak their names, don’t let them become statistics. Tell their stories, not those of the perpetrator. Treat them as if they were your daughters, your sisters, your friends.”