The sentencing hearing for Daniel Billings, who pleaded guilty to the murder of 28-year-old Molly Ticehurst, has been brought forward by the New South Wales Supreme Court. The change was made to allow a key forensic psychiatrist to give evidence before becoming unavailable during the previously scheduled hearing dates.
Daniel Billings admitted to murdering Ms Ticehurst at her home in Forbes in April 2024. His guilty plea was entered in late 2025, but the sentencing process has experienced several delays while additional psychiatric assessments were completed.
During a brief hearing in Sydney on Monday, Billings appeared via video link from prison. His legal representative informed the court that forensic psychiatrist Dr Olav Nielssen, who assessed Billings on multiple occasions during 2025 and 2026, would be unavailable on the previously scheduled dates in September. Justice Natalie Adams subsequently ordered the sentencing hearing to be brought forward to 3 and 4 September 2026.
The court heard that Dr Nielssen's evidence will be presented via video link. Prosecutors also confirmed that they expect to receive their own independent psychiatric report by mid-August before the sentencing hearing proceeds. A further directions hearing has been scheduled for 7 August 2026.
Earlier proceedings heard evidence that Billings was suffering from a depressive illness at the time of the offence, a matter expected to be considered during sentencing alongside the seriousness of the crime. The psychiatric evidence will assist the court in determining an appropriate sentence.
The murder of Molly Ticehurst attracted national attention and intensified public discussion about domestic and family violence in Australia. Before her death, Ms Ticehurst had made allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault against Billings, who was later granted bail before the fatal attack occurred. The case prompted widespread calls for stronger protections for victims of domestic violence and reforms to the justice system.
Members of Ms Ticehurst's family have previously expressed frustration over repeated delays in the court process, saying the prolonged proceedings have made it more difficult to achieve closure. The upcoming sentencing hearing is expected to mark the final stage of the criminal proceedings against Billings.
Once all evidence has been presented, the Supreme Court will determine Billings' sentence after considering the circumstances of the offence, expert psychiatric evidence, victim impact statements and submissions from both the prosecution and defence.
