Molly Ticehurst’s accused killer Daniel Billings is hit with new sex charges
The man accused of the domestic violence murder of Molly Ticehurst is facing new charges, including aggravated sexual assault, and will undergo a mental evaluation.
Daniel Billings, 29, is charged with the murder of Ms Ticehurst, whose body was found in her home in Forbes, central-west NSW, in the early hours of April 22.
Billings was released on bail a fortnight before the alleged murder on charges brought against Ms Ticehurst, including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of stalking and harassing her.
He was also charged with destroying property in her home and aggravated animal cruelty against her 12-week-old dachshund puppy between June and December 2023.
Billings is charged with breaching an apprehended violence order and failing to comply with bail conditions on the night of April 21.
Magistrate Brett Thomas of Parkes Local Court noted on Thursday that Billings, who has been in custody since his arrest in April, faces four additional charges.
Legal documents in court showed the new charges included aggravated sexual assault in March 2024, with allegations he threatened to cause further physical harm to her during the act.
There was also a new charge of sexual intercourse without consent and two charges of destroying or damaging property.
Daniel Billings, 29, was released on bail on Ms Ticehurst’s charges a fortnight before he allegedly murdered her
Molly Ticehurst’s body was found in her home in Forbes, central-west NSW, in the early hours of April 22.
Prosecutors have signed a total of 10 charges to go to higher courts, while the documents show they may drop some overlapping charges before a future trial.
Billings’ legal aid lawyer Diane Elston told the court she had been briefed on the details of the Crown case.
“We can have Mr Billings mentally assessed, which I was unable to do before,” Ms Elston told the court.
Several members of Ms Ticehurst’s family were in court to witness the proceedings and declined to speak to the media after the brief mention.
Billings did not appear via audio-video link to hear his charges formally confirmed.
At a brief hearing in June, Billings appeared from the High Risk Management Correctional Center at Goulburn prison.
The center in southern NSW is designed to house high-risk male prisoners or those with a high public profile.
Ms Ticehurst’s death strengthened a growing movement against gender-based violence and led to changes to the NSW government’s bail laws.
Billings’ case has been postponed until March 21.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
National Sexual Abuse and Redressal Support Service 1800 211 028