No appeal to Molly Ticehurst murder sentence as report awaits release

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 08:55 · Archive

Prosecutors will not appeal the 28-year maximum sentence given to Daniel Billings for murdering Molly Ticehurst.

Prosecutors will not appeal the 28-year maximum sentence handed to Daniel Billings for murdering Molly Ticehurst. The NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed on Friday that it would not challenge the sentence, saying the decision was made in accordance with prosecution guidelines.

The case galvanised a national movement against domestic violence. Justice Natalie Adams set a non-parole period of 20 years, finding Billings murdered his former girlfriend in revenge and "extreme hatred" after she reported allegations of sexual assault to police.

Billings, a former mine worker aged 31, smashed through Ms Ticehurst's bedroom window at her house in Forbes in central western NSW before midnight on 21 April 2024, stabbing her 15 times. The 28-year-old had ended their on-and-off relationship in December 2023, after which Billings repeatedly threatened to break in and kill her. She reported his abuse to police in early April 2024.

The decision not to appeal may now allow release of a government report into Ms Ticehurst's interactions with domestic violence services, held off until the end of the legal process. Her mother Kate Shaw has called on the premier to release the report on her contact with the Staying Home Leaving Violence scheme, which helps victims improve home security.

How it is being reported

• Answers due over Molly's murder with no appeal lodgedMolly Ticehurst's interactions with domestic violence services could come under the microscope after prosecutors opted not to appeal her killer's sentence.The West Australian · 9 Oct, 08:14
• Answers due over Molly's murder with no appeal lodgedMolly Ticehurst's interactions with domestic violence services could come under the microscope after prosecutors opted not to appeal her killer's sentence.Perth Now · 9 Oct, 08:14

In this story: Molly Ticehurst · Daniel Billings · Kate Shaw · NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions · Forbes

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