Ex-mine worker on bail charged with murdering former partner in NSW
Daniel Billings broke into Molly Ticehurst's Forbes home while on bail and stabbed her 15 times; a NSW Supreme Court judge will determine his sentence.
Molly Ticehurst, a young mother, was killed after Daniel Billings, her abusive ex-boyfriend, entered her Forbes residence on bail and inflicted 15 stab wounds. The violence followed a pattern of threats, police-filed charges for sexual assault, stalking, intimidation and the killing of her dachshund with a hammer. Billings recorded himself driving to the house, singing Johnny Cash, which prosecutors described as a portent of his intent.
Justice Natalie Adams noted that the entire assault occurred within 59 seconds of his arrival. The sentencing hearing will weigh the ferocity of the attack, the planning involved, the public-justice aspect of murdering a potential witness, and whether to forgo the usual 25 percent discount for his early plea. Defence counsel pointed to Billings' chronic depression and expressions of remorse, including a handwritten apology letter.
