The man accused of the domestic violence murder of Molly Ticehurst faces new charges, including aggravated sexual assault, and will be mentally evaluated.
Daniel Billings, 29, is accused of the murder of Ms Ticehurst, whose body was found at her home in Forbes, central western New South Wales, in the early hours of April 22.
Billings was released on bail a fortnight before the alleged murder on charges relating to Ms Ticehurst, including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of stalking and intimidating her.
He was also charged with destruction of property at his home and aggravated animal cruelty against his 12-week-old dachshund puppy between June and December 2023.
Billings is accused of violating a detained violence order and failing to comply with bail conditions on the night of April 21.
Parkes Local Court Magistrate Brett Thomas said on Thursday that Billings, who has been in custody since his arrest in April, faces four additional charges.
Legal documents filed in court showed the new charges included aggravated sexual assault in March 2024, with allegations that he threatened to cause more physical violence to her during the act.
There was also a new charge of sexual intercourse without consent and two charges of destroying or damaging property.
Daniel Billings, 29, was released on bail on charges relating to Mrs Ticehurst a fortnight before he allegedly murdered her.
Molly Ticehurst’s body was found at her home in Forbes, central western New South Wales, in the early hours of April 22.
Prosecutors have approved a total of 10 charges to proceed to higher courts, while documents indicated they may drop some overlapping charges before any future trials.
Billings Legal Aid lawyer Diane Elston told the court she had been briefed on the details of the Crown case.
“We can get Mr. Billings mentally evaluated, which is something I couldn’t do before,” Ms. Elston told the court.
Several members of Ticehurst’s family were in court to observe the proceedings and declined to speak to the media after the brief mention.
Billings did not appear via audio and video link to hear the formal certification of his charges.
During a brief hearing in June, Billings appeared from the High Risk Management Correctional Center at Goulburn Prison.
The facility in southern New South Wales is designed to house high-risk male inmates or those with a high public profile.
Ticehurst’s death intensified a growing movement against gender-based violence and prompted changes to the New South Wales government’s bail laws.
Billings’ case was adjourned until March 21.
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