The father of Molly Ticehurst confronted her killer, Daniel Billings, in a New South Wales courtroom, recounting the brutal attack that claimed his daughter's life. Billings broke into Ms. Ticehurst's Forbes home in April 2024 and stabbed her 15 times in an attack lasting less than a minute. The sentencing hearing, held over two years after the murder, saw Ms. Ticehurst's family deliver their victim impact statements.
"I hope that every night Molly's screams keep you awake," said Tony Ticehurst, Ms. Ticehurst's father, addressing Billings directly. "When she died, part of me died with her." He described his 28-year-old daughter as big-hearted and deeply loved, calling her his best friend and confidant. He also expressed a belief in a universal justice system that would judge Billings after his earthly punishment.
Molly Ticehurst's mother, Kate, shared her heartbreak through a statement read by a relative, stating, "Molly was my only child and my best friend. I'm heartbroken that my girl is no longer with me."
Billings appeared in court in a black suit and white shirt, at times leaning his head back and closing his eyes. He briefly looked at Ms. Ticehurst's parents upon entering the courtroom before staring ahead or at the ceiling. He bowed his head while listening to the victim impact statements. Approximately 50 family and friends of Ms. Ticehurst attended the hearing, some wearing shirts that read, "Her name was Molly."
Billings, a trainee mining driller, had a history of threats against Ms. Ticehurst in the weeks and months prior to her death. He had been charged with multiple counts of rape and domestic violence offences but was released on bail by a local court registrar two weeks before the murder. Police had also sought a provisional apprehended violence order against him. He ultimately pleaded guilty to murder in November 2025, following more than 18 months of legal negotiations. The sexual assault charges were later dropped.
Ms. Ticehurst's murder became a catalyst for a national campaign against gendered violence, leading to legislative changes in New South Wales, including more stringent bail laws for individuals accused of domestic violence. Her father acknowledged this as a source of comfort, stating, "Molly's law has now been introduced; I will be forever proud to be her dad."
Donna Thornell, whose daughter Kristy Armstrong was killed in 2023, was present in court to support the Ticehurst family. The court has begun reviewing several hours of video recordings made by Billings before the murder, in which he foreshadowed the crime. Additional charges against Billings, including property damage, animal cruelty, and breaching an apprehended violence order, will be considered during sentencing. Justice Natalie Adams is expected to deliver her sentence later in September.