“The factual evidence appears to be quite detailed and provides examples of quite troubling behaviors that indicate characteristics of domestic violence offenders that we often see come to light after more disturbing findings about their conduct,” Knight said.
“In other words, an inability to let go of the relationship. Feelings of possessiveness and jealousy over the woman. Repeated threats in relation to…that she not be with someone else.”
Knight said Billings had no criminal record but had made “repeated threats to family members” and specific threats “to return, knowing where [Ticehurst] lives, entering through the window”.
A Facebook photo of Molly Ticehurst.
Victims of domestic violence, Knight told the court, are not protected by anonymity and that raised concerns about Billings' ongoing conduct.
The sexual assault, stalking and animal cruelty charges Billings faced in court, Knight said, were “the most serious kinds of charges.”
Billings' own attorney, Bridget Byrnes, told the court he was entitled to the presumption of innocence and denied the allegations.
He worked as an exploration driller at Parkes and was wearing his work clothes, Byrnes said.
A Queensland address was listed as Billings' home, but his lawyer told the court it was where his ex-wife and son live. He only visits “occasionally”, Byrnes added, and said he was not at risk of fleeing NSW.
Byrnes promised that Billings would stay 25 kilometers from Forbes, where Ticehurst lives, and “is able to follow any AVO there is”.
Billings promised the court, through his lawyer, that he would comply with any conditions necessary to be released on bail.
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Recorder Cusack ordered Billings to post a $5,000 bond and confirmed he was on an AVO.
“I will have no fear that these are not very serious charges,” Cusack said.
“And the reason I'm granting you bail today, you don't have a criminal record, but this is now, these are very serious charges.
“So today I will give you a very strict bail.”
The registrar ordered Billings to be of good behaviour, live in Parkes, report to police every day, stay away from Ticehurst, stay sober and comply with the AVO.
Billings said he understood that, and nothing else.
The hearing ended at 10:59 a.m., 12 minutes after it began, with Billings knocking on the door and taking his first steps out on bail.
Billings had returned to court on Thursday, April 18, days before the alleged murder, where a magistrate continued his bail.
Ticehurst was found dead on Monday.
NSW Premier Chris Minns the next day announced a review of bail laws to determine “whether urgent legal reform is needed”.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on Thursday backed the review “as a priority”.
“I will say from the beginning that the police share the sentiment of the community,” Webb said.
“This should not have happened. And, unfortunately, it is not an isolated case.”
Billings did not apply for bail Tuesday and was formally denied. His bail was also revoked on the previous charges. The matter was adjourned to Parkes Local Court on June 20.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
