A man accused of brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend allegedly raped, stalked and intimidated her in the months before the killing, prompting a review into why he was free on bail, it was revealed in court on Tuesday.
Daniel Billings is charged with the domestic violence-related murder of childcare worker Molly Ticehurst, 28, whose body was found in a home at Forbes, in central-western NSW, early on Monday morning.
The 29-year-old, from Dalby in Queensland, did not appear when his case was briefly mentioned in Orange Local Court on Tuesday.
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Court documents show Billings was on bail at the time of the killing, facing three counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four charges of stalking and intimidating Ticehurst in recent months.
In addition to the murder charge, he faces fresh counts of failing to comply with his bail conditions and breaching an apprehended violence order.
The case has prompted wider concern about why Billings was freed on bail and the strength of apprehended violence orders.
Premier Chris Minns said those were “legitimate questions” and the government would review what happened in the lead up to the alleged murder.
“A family has lost their daughter and the circumstances are horrifying for that community and that family,” Minns said on Tuesday.
“Listening to her dad … your heart breaks for him, he’s justifiably angry, he’s completely heartbroken, he wants answers as to what happened.”
Minns added: “Our justice system must protect the community from those who pose an unacceptable risk. Details of a review are being finalised and will be announced on Wednesday.”
Public Service Association of NSW president Stewart Little said courts were not adequately protecting women, making police and corrections officers’ work more difficult.
“It’s a kick in the guts for frontline police and for our members that work in the criminal justice system,” he said.
Detective Inspector Jason Darcy earlier said Billings and Ticehurst had been in a relationship, and the “brutal” killing had her family devastated.
“Naturally they’re just distraught,” he said on Monday.
Billings did not apply for bail on Tuesday and it was refused by Magistrate David Day.
Day also formally revoked bail on the earlier charges — which were dealt with by a different court — adding Billings had not yet entered pleas that were due.
“That’s not good enough,” he said.
Billings is due to appear in Parkes Local Court on June 20.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.
Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.