Inquest Exposes Police Failures in Kelly Wilkinson Murder Case
An inquest has heard that police improperly granted bail to Brian Earl Johnston, the estranged husband of Kelly Wilkinson, just days before he murdered her at her Gold Coast home in April 2021. The Queensland coroner's court was told that rape allegations against Johnston should have been treated as "show cause" offences, requiring a magistrate's decision, but instead, a police officer at Southport station granted bail.
Systemic Issues in Police Response
Deputy coroner Stephanie Gallagher is overseeing the three-day inquest into Wilkinson's death, focusing on whether the Queensland Police Service (QPS) followed policies and has since implemented changes. Detective Inspector Suzanne Newton, who investigated the police response, stated that granting bail in this case was "against the bail act." She emphasized that in show cause situations, police must refer cases to a magistrate, not handle bail themselves.
Newton highlighted concerning behaviour, noting that the same officer who arrested Johnston also granted bail and had a third role, which she considered inappropriate for a large station like Southport. She said this approach was common in the Southport district, raising questions about systemic failures.
High-Risk Status Ignored
Kelly Wilkinson, 27, had contacted police on four occasions before her murder and had recently been granted a domestic violence order. She accused Johnston of being "abusive and controlling," and after a police interview on 30 March 2021, she was flagged as a high-risk aggrieved party. The Gold Coast domestic and family violence prevention service also referred her as "high risk" due to immediate safety concerns and reported incidents of violence.
Despite these warnings, Johnston was released on bail. On 20 April 2021, he used a 20-litre jerry can of petrol to set Wilkinson and then himself alight at her home. Wilkinson died from her injuries, while Johnston survived and later pleaded guilty to murder in 2024, receiving a life sentence from Justice Peter Applegarth.
Broader Implications and Sentencing
The inquest will consider if QPS responses aligned with policies and whether training and procedures have been improved. Justice Applegarth, during sentencing, noted Johnston's intent to kill Wilkinson and then himself, a plan he failed to complete. The couple, who met online and married in 2011, had three children before separating due to Johnston's offences.
This case underscores critical issues in domestic violence handling, with calls for better adherence to legal protocols and enhanced support for victims. The inquest continues, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
