In a courtroom moment that was equal parts devastating and deeply awkward for the defendant, Tony Ticehurst came face-to-face with the man who murdered his daughter, Daniel Billings, and delivered a message that was less 'forgive and forget' and more 'I hope your conscience is a real jerk.'

Tony described his 28-year-old daughter Molly as 'big-hearted and deeply loved,' his best friend and confidant. Then, addressing Billings directly - because why not, he's right there - he called him 'selfish' and offered a bedtime wish: 'I hope that every night Molly's screams keep you awake.' He added, 'When she died, part of me died with her. I believe that after you serve your punishment here on earth, the justice system of the universe will judge you.' So, you know, karma's on the schedule.

Molly's mother, Kate, had her statement read by a relative while she held her hand over her face, presumably to hide the fact that she was crying, which is allowed. Her statement read, 'Molly was my only child and my best friend. I'm heartbroken that my girl is no longer with me.'

Billings, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and sneakers - because even murderers need to be comfortable - spent much of the hearing leaning his head back and closing his eyes, which is a bold move when you're the reason everyone's there. He bowed his head during the victim impact statements, which is at least a start.

About 50 of Molly's family and friends attended, some wearing shirts that said 'Her name was Molly,' because apparently some people needed the reminder.

The court heard that on 21 April 2024, Billings broke into her Forbes bedroom just before midnight and stabbed Molly 15 times in an attack that lasted less than a minute. The trainee mining driller had threatened to do exactly this for weeks, and had been charged with multiple counts of rape and other domestic violence offences. But a local court registrar freed him on bail a fortnight before the murder. Because that worked out great.

Police had taken out a provisional apprehended violence order against Billings, which - spoiler - didn't stop him. He pleaded guilty to murder in November 2025 after 18 months of legal negotiations, and the sexual assault charges were dropped. So, that's a thing.

Molly's murder sparked a national campaign against gendered violence and led to legal changes in NSW, including tighter bail laws for people accused of domestic violence. Tony said that brought some comfort, along with the knowledge that Molly is now safe from Billings. 'Molly's law has now been introduced; I will be forever proud to be her dad,' he told the court. Because if you can't have your daughter, at least you can have a law named after her.

Donna Thornell, the mother of Kristy Armstrong, who was killed by her abusive estranged husband in 2023, was also there to support the Ticehursts. It's like a support group nobody wants to join.

The court was scheduled to view several hours of videos Billings made before the murder, in which he foreshadowed the crime. Because nothing says 'I'm sorry' like a pre-recorded confession.

Charges of property damage, animal cruelty, and breaching the AVO were also to be considered in sentencing. Justice Natalie Adams indicated she'll hand down the sentence later in September. We'll be waiting, popcorn in hand, hoping for a sentence that fits the crime.