The review of bail laws in New South Wales was initially focused on toughening bail laws for offenses related to firearms and criminal associations. However, after referring two additional cases – an alleged rape and a case of violent attack on a pregnant partner – the review was expanded to include consideration of sexual and domestic violence offenses. Despite this, the Bail Act Monitoring Group did not make any recommendations in relation to these issues. NSW Police raised concerns that the recommendations did not go far enough to address identified issues, although the specifics of their concerns were not disclosed.
Following the murder of a woman named Ticehurst in Forbes, anger arose in the community upon learning that the accused murderer, Daniel Billings, had been released on bail after being accused of sexually assaulting the victim just over two weeks prior. Billings faced charges of sexual assault, stalking, damaging property, and animal cruelty. He was released on bail with an interim apprehended violence order and a $5000 bail amount. The decision to continue his bail was made by a magistrate in Parkes Local Court. The use of local court registrars in making bail decisions on serious crimes was questioned as a potential issue of “resourcing” for regional courts.
In response to the case, Labor leader Chris Minns stated that the advice from the review would consider whether bail should ever be granted in cases of serious domestic violence allegations. He also questioned the practice of local court registrars, who are not judicial officers, making bail decisions for serious offenses. Minns emphasized the importance of having members of the judiciary, who are trained in making weighty decisions, responsible for bail decisions, particularly in cases with serious allegations. The issue of resourcing for local courts in regional areas, especially on weekends, was highlighted as a challenge to ensuring such decisions are made by judicial officers.
The brutal murder of Ticehurst prompted calls for a reconsideration of bail laws in cases of serious violence, particularly in cases of domestic violence. The case highlighted the need for careful and judicious consideration of bail decisions, especially for serious offenses. The public outcry over Ticehurst’s murder underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of victims, particularly in cases where the accused perpetrator has a history of violence. The review of bail laws in NSW may lead to potential changes in the way bail decisions are made in cases of serious violence and domestic abuse, with a focus on victim safety and perpetrator accountability.
