Daniel Billings: Accused killer of NSW victim Molly Ticehurst in plea talks with prosecutors

The man accused of the domestic violence murder of his former partner, Molly Ticehurst, is in negotiations with prosecutors over the charges, a court has been told.

Daniel Billings is alleged to have murdered the 28-year-old mother of one and childcare worker, who was found dead in her Forbes home in Central West NSW in April last year.

He is charged with Ms Ticehurst’s murder, breaching an apprehended violence order and failing to comply with bail conditions.

He has also been charged with one count of threatening bodily harm, sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of recklessly damaging property.

At the time of Ms Ticehurst’s killing, Mr Billings was on bail over charges relating to his former partner, including four counts of stalking and intimidation, three counts of sexual intercourse without consent and animal cruelty.

He was released on bail by a registrar at Dubbo Local Court two weeks before Ms Ticehurst’s alleged murder.

Members of Ms Ticehurst’s family were in Forbes Local Court on Friday morning as Mr Billings’ matter was mentioned by magistrate Brett Thomas.

Mr Billings has been in custody since his arrest and did not appear in court on Friday.

His Legal Aid solicitor, Diane Elston, asked for a lengthy adjournment, as she is set to meet with prosecutors next week for a case conference.

A case conference is held to discuss charges and any possible plea deals.

“The parties have been in negotiations, we had a case conference on the 1st of May, and we’ve received the response to that case conference and a further case conference needs to be held,” Ms Elston told the court.

The matter will return to court in October.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.