Billings was on bail when he killed Ticehurst. He had been charged with raping and stalking his former partner, and was facing one count of aggravated animal cruelty for killing her miniature dachshund.
He faced Dubbo Local Court on April 6, 2024, requesting bail.
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But it was a Saturday, which means, due to a long-standing practice in country courts, no magistrate was available to hear the case.
Instead, it fell to a court registrar who decided to free Billings to bail on a $5,000 surety. A fortnight later, Billings murdered Ticehurst in her home.
Premier Chris Minns conceded Ticehurst was failed by the state’s justice system, admitting his government had “serious questions” to answer in the weeks after her murder.
“This was a terrible, terrible death. Can I just say in relation to the system, it has clearly let down Molly … the status quo isn’t working. We need to be looking at change to keep people safe particularly as they’re awaiting justice,” he said.
Last June, laws requiring those accused of serious domestic violence charges to wear electronic monitoring devices while on bail passed parliament.
More to come.
If you or anyone you know needs support, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
