Daniel Billings, the man who allegedly murdered Molly Ticehurst, has appeared in court in regional New South Wales.
Two months after 28-year-old Ticehurst was found dead in her home, Billings appeared before the Parkes local court on Thursday morning via video link.
Billings, who was dressed in a green prison jumper, is currently at a correctional centre at Goulburn jail where he is awaiting trial. Billings did not talk but nodded his head to indicate he could hear the court proceedings.
Billings has been charged with the domestic violence murder of Ticehurst on April 22. He is also facing several other charges including sexual assault, intimidation, animal cruelty and breaching an apprehended violence order.
At the time he allegedly murdered Ticehurst, Billings was on bail for other charges including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, intimidation, and stalking.
The matter is now due to return to court in August.
The murder of Ticehurst sparked national outrage at the state of gender-based violence in Australia.
Ticehurst’s family and friends advocated for the introduction of “Molly’s Law”, that would ensure police know the location of people on bail for domestic, family and sexual violence charges at all times to better protect alleged victims of these crimes.
The NSW government has since brought in legal reforms that mean alleged domestic violence perpetrators will find it harder to get bail and in many cases, will be fitted with ankle monitoring devices.
The NSW government has also pledged $230 million to tackle domestic, family and sexual violence through a range of reforms including specialist staff funding, a primary prevention scheme and a program supporting women and their children to remain safe in their homes after leaving a violent relationship.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
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