The man accused of the alleged “violent” murder of a young mother has been identified as a heavily tattooed boxing enthusiast who was on bail for rape.
Police found the body of teacher Molly Ticehurst, 28, inside a house in Forbes, about 370 kilometers west of Sydney, shortly before 2am on Monday.
Emergency services arrived at the property after concerns were raised for his welfare.
Daniel Billings, 29, was arrested at a property in Fifield, about an hour west of Forbes.
He appeared at Orange Local Court on Tuesday charged with murdering Ms Ticehurst and breaching an AVO.
He also faced three prior counts of rape, multiple counts of stalking and destruction of property, and one count of animal cruelty.
He and Ticehurst had been in a relationship for about 18 months until July last year, but got back together briefly in December.
Daniel Billings (pictured) was charged with the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Molly Ticehurst.
Molly Ticehurst (pictured) was allegedly murdered before 2am on Monday morning.
Billings, originally from Queensland, was on bail for the previous serious charges at the time of Ms Ticehurst’s death and had court orders not to approach her.
WhatsNew2Day Australia can reveal that Billings was a keen boxer who often participated in competitions.
Ticehurst had a six-year-old son and celebrated his 28th birthday on April 12, just 10 days before he died.
On Monday, Detective Inspector Jason Darcy, crime manager for the Central West Police District, described the alleged murder as “horrifically violent”.
‘I have 34 years in the police force, a former homicide detective. I’ve been to a few and it was pretty brutal,’ he said.
Det. Inspector Dacy confirmed police were investigating claims Billings visited Ms Ticehurst’s work last week.
Ticehurst’s father, Tony, said his daughter was “beautiful” and shared his anger at the justice system over the fact that Billings was not behind bars.
Following his arrest, Billings was denied bail and appeared at Orange Local Court on Monday afternoon where all his charges were heard.
No bail application was made and this was denied. Billings will appear in court again on June 20.
Mrs Ticehurst had a six-year-old son and worked at a nursery in Forbes.
Her father, Tony Ticehurst, has since shared his anger at the fact that his daughter’s alleged killer was out on bail at the time of her death.
“Someone has to be held accountable,” Ticehurst said. Nine news.
‘If they had kept him in jail like the police wanted, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
“I can say all the normal things that people say about how beautiful their daughter was, but Molly really was.”
On Tuesday, a family friend installed a GoFundMe for his family.
The fundraiser said: “On Monday…everyone’s hearts were broken to discover that the life of a beautiful mother, family member, friend, educator, co-worker and so much more was suddenly and tragically taken.”
“I hope I can help ease some of the pain by helping raise funds to give Molly the best send-off possible.
‘I ask that if you can donate please do so, anything is appreciated. May Molly’s wings flourish and may she rest in peace.
Friends and family shared the fundraiser on social media Tuesday using the hashtag #mollywashername.
A close friend and godmother of her son also shared a tribute that read: ‘I want to wake up from this nightmare.’
‘I want to wake up and see your name light up my phone, I want to see you smile, hear you laugh and watch you stuff your face with food.
‘I wish I could rewind time and fix this, I want my godson to grow up with his mother. You loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally, you were the life of the party and your son will always be your whole world.’
Mrs Ticehurst’s son was not at home at the time of her death.