Molly Ticehurst’s ex-boyfriend pleads guilty to 2024 murder that ignited national anti-DV campaign | Crime – Australia

Molly Ticehurst’s ex-boyfriend admitted to domestic violence murder and made other admissions.

Daniel Billings appeared at Forbes local court in central west New South Wales via audio-video link to enter his plea on Friday morning.

The 30-year-old man, who is being held in custody in the super security wing of Goulburn Prison, also admitted three other charges, including animal cruelty.

He appeared on screens from prison for the first time after the court process that lasted for more than a year; He had prison green hair, dreadlocks, and a small moustache.

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Billings spoke only to confirm that he had heard the hearing, while Legal Aid attorney Diane Elston confirmed the defense.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Billings said, appreciating Judge Michael Maher.

Ticehurst’s mother sat in court, watching the defense with her hand over her mouth.

About 50 Forbes residents gathered in the park outside the courthouse to support the Ticehurst family; some wore T-shirts that said “He’s important.”

Ticehurst, a 28-year-old child care educator, was found dead in her Forbes home in the early hours of April 22, 2024.

Billings had been granted bail by the local court registrar two weeks before the murder, despite various charges relating to the Ticehurst rape and domestic violence offences.

Police had obtained a temporary violent arrest warrant against Billings on behalf of Ticehurst.

The call came 18 months after Billings was charged with murder, following a mental health evaluation and lengthy legal negotiations.

When the case was last adjourned on November 3, Ticehurst’s father Tony said the delay caused further distress to their family.

“It seems to me that the system failed Molly in life and continued the same way in death,” Tony Ticehurst told reporters.

“Instead of closure, all we get is anxiety, sadness, and heartache.”

The murder of Molly Ticehurst intensified a national campaign against domestic and gender-based violence.

The move has led to changes to NSW laws, including the removal of registrars’ powers to grant bail, “show cause” thresholds for domestic violence bail applications and electronic monitoring of defendants.

The case will be adjourned for hearing in the NSW supreme court.