00:02The sentencing hearing into Daniel Billings has begun in Orange in the Supreme Court after he
00:08pleaded guilty to the murder of Molly Ticehurst. The 28-year-old child care worker and mother was
00:14found dead in her Forbes home in April 2024. In November last year Billings pleaded guilty to
00:23one count of murder and an admission of guilt to four other offences including breaching an
00:28apprehended violence order and animal cruelty. At the time of Miss Ticehurst's murder Billings was
00:34out on bail for a number of offences alleged to have occurred against Miss Ticehurst including
00:40sexual assault which he denies animal cruelty and damaging property. In court today victim impact
00:46statements from four family members of Miss Ticehurst were read out in court. One of those was
00:53the child of Miss Ticehurst that was read on behalf of him. In that victim impact statement he said
00:59I really miss my mum because I miss going on holidays. I miss watching Ice Age in her room.
01:05I love my mum very much. Molly's father Tony Ticehurst he also appeared before the court to
01:11provide a statement in that he said she had such a big heart. She had so much love to give.
01:16When she
01:16died a part of me died as well. Daniel Billings was present in the court while these victim impact
01:23statements were read out. During the majority of them his head was down looking at the floor.
01:29While giving his impact statement Tony Ticehurst looked directly at Daniel Billings and said I hope
01:34that every night Molly's screams keep you awake. Miss Ticehurst's cousin Melissa Shaw she also detailed
01:42that Molly's son tries to take her ashes with him wherever he can. She also said that to hear her
01:50laugh we have to pull out videos. This afternoon as the sentencing hearing continues two forensic
01:56psychiatrists are expected to give evidence on the mental health condition of Daniel Billings
02:02when he committed this murder. When Molly Ticehurst was murdered in April 2024 it sparked a national
02:11conversation around domestic violence and in New South Wales it led to major bail reforms due to
02:17Daniel Billings being out on bail when this murder occurred. Those reforms included mandatory electronic
02:24monitoring devices for anyone who was accused of serious domestic violence offences and granted bail.
02:30There was also changes to the show cause laws around people accused of serious domestic violence
02:38offenses having to prove why they should be granted bail. Registrars were also prevented from granting bail as
02:45was the occurrence in Miss Ticehurst's murder. The sentencing hearing here today dozens of family
02:52and friends of Miss Ticehurst have been in attendance. There has been crying can be heard throughout the
02:58courtroom as proceedings and evidence has been handed down. The sentencing hearing will continue today
03:05with those psychiatrists providing evidence and will continue into Friday.
