How one woman's death sparked an urgent bail law review

THE ALLEGED MURDER * Daniel Billings, 29, allegedly murdered ex-girlfriend Molly Ticehurst, 28, at her home in Forbes in central-western NSW between midnight and 2am on Monday * Billings breached an apprehended violence order and bail conditions stemming from previous charges relating to Ms Ticehurst THE EARLIER INCIDENTS * Billings allegedly committed an act of aggravated animal cruelty against Ms Ticehurst's 12-week-old dachshund puppy in 2023 * He allegedly raped, stalked and intimidated her and destroyed property at her house in Forbes on January 3 * Billings is accused of smashing Ms Ticehurst's car window, stalking her and intimidating her on January 14 * He allegedly stalked and raped her twice in Parkes on March 4 * Billings is also accused of stalking and intimidating her in Forbes on April 3 * He was arrested a few days after the final incident and charged with multiple offences, including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent * Billings was released on bail on April 6 FOCUS OF REVIEW * A NSW government review will investigate whether reform of bail laws is required to better protect the community from offenders who face serious charges, particularly in relation to domestic violence cases * It will investigate the role of registrars in handling bail applications, particularly on weekends and in rural communities WHAT LEADERS HAVE SAID * "We have a duty of care to alleged victims, particularly those that are awaiting justice through the criminal justice system" - NSW Premier Chris Minns * "It's crucial that we as a government continue to invest in early intervention, in prevention, in education and - really importantly - in housing to provide a safe place for women when they need to leave a domestic violence situation" - Women's Minister Jodie Harrison * "We cannot hide like you can in the metropolitan areas ... everyone knows everyone and they know where everyone is" - Forbes mayor Phyllis Miller * "We need systems and courts that prioritise the safety of victim-survivors above all else ... no more sweeping statements, we need real action now" - Domestic Violence NSW chief executive Delia Donovan 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

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How one woman's death sparked an urgent bail law review