An indefinite AVO was made to keep Billings away from an unnamed young person.
Billings’ final words to the court were that he understood the conditions.
He will be arraigned in the NSW Supreme Court next month ahead of his sentencing.
Ticehurst’s mother sat in court watching the plea with her hand over her mouth.
About 50 Forbes locals gathered in the park outside the courthouse to support the Ticehurst family, some wearing T-shirts saying: “She matters”.
The crowd burst into applause when the Ticehurst family emerged from the court.
Billings had dragged out his case for more than a year, putting the Ticehurst family through agonising delays and adjournments.
Mourners at Molly Ticehurst’s funeral in Forbes in May 2024.Credit: Geraghty
Outside court last week, after yet another adjournment from Billings’ end, Molly’s father, Tony Ticehurst, said the justice system continued to fail his daughter.
“It seems to me that in life the system let Molly down and in death it continues the same route,” he told media.
“Instead of getting closure, all we get is anxiety, sadness and heartache.”
On Friday, an emotional Tony Ticehurst thanked the people of Forbes, saying he would break down trying to describe how he remembers his daughter.
“Every week I’m thankful for the support from the people of Forbes,” he said.
“But today is a special day and I really appreciate the support from the people of Forbes and surrounds and all my friends.”
Billings was on bail when he killed Ticehurst. He had been charged with raping and stalking his former partner, and was facing one count of aggravated animal cruelty for killing her miniature dachshund.
He faced Dubbo Local Court on April 6, 2024, requesting bail.
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But it was a Saturday, which means, due to a long-standing practice in country courts, no magistrate was available to hear the case.
Instead, it fell to a court registrar who decided to free Billings to bail on a $5000 surety. A fortnight later, Billings murdered Ticehurst in her home.
Premier Chris Minns conceded Ticehurst was failed by the state’s justice system, admitting his government had “serious questions” to answer in the weeks after her murder.
“This was a terrible, terrible death. Can I just say in relation to the system, it has clearly let down Molly … the status quo isn’t working. We need to be looking at change to keep people safe, particularly as they’re awaiting justice,” he said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns joins mourners at Molly Ticehurst’s funeral.Credit: Kate Geraghty
Ticehurst’s funeral, at Forbes Rugby Club in May 2024, seemed to stop the nation as homes across the country town switched on their porch lights in her honour.
“Dear mum, I love you,” a four-year-old boy’s message was read to the gathered crowd.
“I miss our holidays together and our tickle fights. I miss you a lot, and I will love you every day and night. You are the best mum in the world.”
Minns was seated in the 1000-strong audience, head bowed, along with then NSW police commissioner Karen Webb and Police Minister Yasmin Catley.
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“Every parent would like to see their child change the world, but not at this cost,” Tony Ticehurst said through tears.
Last June, the NSW government passed “Molly’s law” to tighten bail on people accused of the most serious forms of domestic violence.
Molly’s law requires people accused of serious domestic violence to show why they should not be detained – effectively reversing the presumption of bail.
Those who are bailed must wear electronic monitoring devices, allowing NSW Corrective Services to track their movements in real-time.
The laws also stripped registrars of the power to grant bail.
Courts must also consider “red flag” behaviour when considering bail, such as sexual abuse, coercive control, stalking and injury to an animal.
with AAP
If you or anyone you know needs support, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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