00:01Handing down her sentencing in the Orange Supreme Court today, Justice Natalie Adams
00:08told the court that there is nothing she can do in sentencing Daniel Billings that will
00:13bring back Molly Tyshurst.
00:15All she can do is acknowledge her family's grief.
00:19Daniel Billings pleaded guilty to the murder of Molly Tyshurst in her Forbes home in April
00:252024.
00:26The court has heard that Daniel Billings entered Molly Tyshurst's bedroom window on April
00:3521 at 11.27pm, stabbed her multiple times, leaving her with 15 wounds and left the premises
00:4359 seconds after arriving.
00:46Justice Adams told the court that Mr Billings was aware of Molly's fears, that he would
00:51break through her window and get to her before police could get there.
00:55Mr Billings ultimately chose to carry out the fatal assault by doing exactly what he threatened
01:01to do.
01:02It must have been absolutely terrifying for Miss Tyshurst to die knowing her worst fears
01:07were being realised.
01:08In handing down her sentencing, Justice Adams pointed to a guilty plea that was entered by
01:15Daniel Billings, the mental state of Billings at the time of the murder and the level of
01:21remorse as key considerations behind the level of sentencing that he would receive.
01:28Ultimately, a sentence of 28 years in prison was handed down with a non-parole period of 20
01:34years.
01:35That is backdated to April 19, 2024.
01:39Billings will be eligible for parole in 2044 and his sentence will expire in 2052, Melissa.
01:47This has been a long time coming, as you say.
01:50Hamish, has there been any reaction to this sentence?
01:54Yes, friends of Molly Tyshurst spoke outside the Orange Courthouse a short time ago.
02:01They paid tribute to Molly Tyshurst's memory and legacy.
02:06They also expressed disappointment that he wasn't given a life sentence.
02:10Aidan Clark knew Molly Tyshurst for 26 years before her death as a 28-year-old.
02:17He spoke of his pride of knowing Molly and her legacy, her memory, but he said ultimately
02:25it is disappointing that Billings did not receive a longer sentence.
02:29It's definitely not what we wanted.
02:34Nothing will ever bring Molly back, and we know that.
02:41Hopefully, the next 28 years, Daniel Billings has a long, hard look at himself.
02:47And understands what he's left behind and the damage he has caused.
02:53And it's extremely difficult for everyone involved, but nothing will bring Molly back.
02:59No time was ever going to be enough.
03:02We also heard from the local member for Orange, Phil Donato, who's a former police prosecutor.
03:08He also expressed disappointment that a life sentence was handed down to Daniel Billings.
03:14But as I mentioned in the sentencing today, Justice Natalie Adams handing down a 28-year
03:20sentence for Daniel Billings, illegible for parole in 2044.
03:26This has been a matter that has been ongoing for a long time.
03:30A murder that caused a national outcry about domestic violence, led to bail reforms in New
03:36South Wales, and after that guilty plea entered by Daniel Billings, has ultimately seen him
03:41sentenced to 28 years in prison, Melissa.
03:45Hamish Cole in orange there for us.
03:49And if this story has raised any issues for you, please get help by calling the National
03:53Sexual Assault and Family Violence Counselling Helpline on 1800RESPECT.
03:58That number is 1800 737 732.
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