Bombshell new rape charge for Daniel Billings accused of killing his lover Molly Ticehurst’s and abusing her 12-week-old dachshund pup
The man accused of the domestic violence murder of Molly Ticehurst is facing fresh charges, including aggravated sexual assault, and will be mentally assessed.
Daniel Billings, 29, is charged with the murder of Ms Ticehurst, whose body was found in her home at Forbes, in central-western NSW, in the early hours of April 22.
Billings was freed on bail a fortnight before the alleged murder on charges related to Ms Ticehurst, including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of stalking and intimidating her.
He was also charged with destroying property at her house and aggravated animal cruelty against her 12-week-old dachshund puppy between June and December 2023.
Billings is accused of breaching an apprehended violence order and failing to comply with bail conditions on the night of April 21.
Parkes Local Court magistrate Brett Thomas on Thursday noted Billings, who has been in custody since his arrest in April, is facing four extra charges.
Legal documents before the court showed the new charges included aggravated sexual assault in March 2024, with allegations he threatened to cause her further physical violence during the act.
There was also a fresh charge of sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of destroying or damaging property.
Daniel Billings, 29, was freed on bail on charges related to Ms Ticehurst, a fortnight before he allegedly murdered her
Molly Ticehurst’s body was found in her home at Forbes, in central-western NSW, in the early hours of April 22
Prosecutors have signed off on a total of 10 charges to proceed to higher courts, while the documents indicated they may withdraw some overlapping counts before any future trial.
Billings’ Legal Aid solicitor Diane Elston told the court she had been advised of the details of the crown case.
‘We can have Mr Billings mentally assessed, which I wasn’t able to do before,’ Ms Elston told the court.
Several members of Ms Ticehurst’s family were in court to watch the proceedings and declined to speak to media after the brief mention.
Billings did not appear via audio-video link to hear his charges formally certified.
During a brief hearing in June, Billings appeared from the High Risk Management Correctional Centre at Goulburn jail.
The centre in southern NSW is designed to house high-risk male inmates or those with a high public profile.
Ms Ticehurst’s death intensified a growing movement against gendered violence and sparked NSW government changes to bail laws.
Billings’ case has been adjourned to March 21.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
