The man accused of the domestic violence murder of Molly Ticehurst faces fresh sexual assault charges and will be mentally assessed before he goes to trial.
Daniel Billings, 29, is charged with the murder of 28-year-old Ticehurst, whose body was found in her home at Forbes, in central-western NSW, early on April 22.
He was also charged with breaching an apprehended violence order and failing to comply with bail conditions.
Billings was out on bail at the time of the alleged murder for charges related to Ticehurst, including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of stalking and intimidating her.
He was also on bail on charges including two counts of recklessly destroying a car window and property at her house, and aggravated animal cruelty against her 12-week-old dachshund puppy.
Parkes Local Court on Thursday was told Billings faces further charges, including one count of aggravated sexual assault, sexual intercourse without consent and two further counts of destroying property.
Billings’ Legal Aid solicitor Diane Elston told the court she had been advised of the details of the Crown case.
“We can have Mr Billings mentally assessed, which I wasn’t able to do before,” Elston said.
Ticehurst’s family was in court to watch the proceedings, though Billings did not appear via audio-video link to hear his charges formally confirmed.
Billings had been released on bail by a registrar at Dubbo Local Court on April 6, a fortnight before the alleged murder.
Ticehurst’s death intensified a growing movement against gendered violence and sparked NSW government changes to bail laws.
His case has been adjourned to March 21.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
Lifeline 131 114
-AAP
Live News
