Distressing text messages sent weeks before Molly Ticehurst was murdered show she asked Daniel Billings why he wanted to “kill me” and “do all the bad stuff to me”, a court has heard.
Billings, who pleaded guilty to murdering his former partner, killed the 28-year-old mother inside her home in Forbes, in New South Wales’ Central West, on 21 April 2024.
In messages exchanged in March that year, Ms Ticehurst confronted Billings over his behaviour. He replied: “Maybe my thought process was if I couldn’t have you then I didn’t want anyone to.”
Ms Ticehurst had reported allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence to police two weeks before her death. She said Billings had threatened to “come cut your head off” and warned: “I will get to you quicker then (police) will.”
Billings denied the allegations. Court documents also state that he admitted killing the couple’s dachshund puppy with a hammer after they separated in 2023.
He was released on bail on 5 April 2024, despite facing charges relating to Ms Ticehurst. Fifteen days later, he returned to her home and stabbed her to death.
Ms Ticehurst’s family faced Billings at the sentence hearing in the Supreme Court at Orange on Thursday. Her father, Tony Ticehurst, told him: “I hope that every night Molly’s screams keep you awake and the hairs on your arm stands up in terror.”
“Molly’s life was not complete. She had such a big heart and had so much love to give,” he said.
Billings also admitted breaching an apprehended violence order and other offences. The murder plea followed the dropping of a number of additional charges, including sexual assault and stalking allegations.
The sentencing hearing is due to continue on Friday, 4 September, with Billings expected to be sentenced later this month.
