Molly Ticehurst’s family delivers heartbreaking statements as her killer faces sentencing

The family of Molly Ticehurst has confronted the devastating consequences of her death in an emotional court hearing, describing the profound loss left behind for her young son, parents and loved ones.

Ticehurst was killed in April 2024, in a case that sparked widespread public anger over domestic violence and ultimately contributed to sweeping bail reforms known as Molly’s Law.

But inside court on Thursday, the focus turned away from the broader political debate and toward the people left to live with the consequences of her death.

Molly’s young son now carries his mother’s ashes with him wherever he can, even when going to the shops.

In a statement read by his father, the boy described how deeply he misses his mother.

“I really miss my mum because I miss going on holidays and mowing the lawn with her and watching Ice Age in her room,” he wrote.

“I love my mum very much.”

Molly’s father, Tony Ticehurst, delivered his own emotional tribute, saying his daughter should have been safe in her own home.

“(Her son) was her world, as Molly was mine,” he said.

“She should have been safe. No one should ever have to fear for their life in their own home.”

Tony then spoke about the justice he hoped would ultimately come for the man responsible.

“I believe that after you have served your punishment here on Earth, the justice system of the universe will judge you.”

His glasses fogged with tears as he recited lines from Johnny Cash’s When The Man Comes Around, a song Billings had listened to while driving to Forbes to kill Molly.

Tony also addressed Billings directly, saying: “I hope that every night, Molly’s screams keep you awake. And the hairs on your arms stands up in terror.”

He then recited the biblical passage associated with the song, including the line: “And I look and behold a pale horse, and his name that sat on him was Death.”

Tony concluded his statement with a message to his daughter.

“You will always be my girl … I will grieve you for the rest of my life.”

The family’s statements were accompanied by photographs showing Molly with the people she loved, including images of her smiling, embracing relatives and lifting her young son into the air.

Another heartbreaking photograph shows her son clutching her ashes while lying face down on his bed.

The court also heard from Billings himself through an apology letter he wrote in May, in which he expressed remorse for the destruction his actions had caused.

“How do I feel for what I done? I feel horrible, ashamed I’ve ruined so many lives,” Billings wrote.

He acknowledged the devastating impact on Molly’s son as well as his own child.

“The biggest victims are the 2 kids, Molly’s son won’t ever physically have his mum there & my son doesn’t yet understand ‘Why doesn’t Dad visit me anymore?’”

However, much of the three-page letter focused on Billings’ own feelings about how he had been portrayed following the killing.

He objected to being described as a “monster”, echoing the tone of videos he had recorded before Molly’s death.

“I’m not a heartless monster like they say, I’m just a human, capable of making mistakes and capable of feelings & emotions and I feel like absolute shit and I’m as sorry as a person can be for what I have done,” he wrote.

The sentencing hearing is expected to continue for two days.

For Molly’s family, however, the proceedings have brought them face to face once again with the immense loss left by her death — and with the memories of a daughter and mother whose life was taken far too soon.