A tragic case of domestic violence has come to light, highlighting a series of failures that led to an avoidable tragedy. A mother's worst nightmare became a reality when a former US Marine brutally murdered his estranged wife, Kelly Wilkinson, on the Gold Coast in 2021. But here's where it gets controversial: the police's handling of the situation prior to the murder raises serious questions.
Brian Earl Johnston, a former Marine, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the violent stabbing and arson of Kelly Wilkinson. An inquest into her death has revealed a shocking series of events.
The inquest, held at Southport Coroners Court, is examining the interactions between Kelly and Johnston, and the police's response. On the opening day, it was revealed that nine days before the murder, Johnston was charged with raping Kelly. Instead of following the standard procedure of remanding him in custody, the police granted him 'station bail', a decision that goes against Queensland's bail act.
Susan Newton, a former Detective Inspector, conducted an internal review and stated that station bail should not have been an option. She emphasized that such cases should be presented before a magistrate. "We can't actually give bail in these situations," she explained.
The court also heard that police were first made aware of Kelly's fears for her safety three weeks before her murder. A temporary protection order was issued, but the police's response to subsequent interactions with Kelly and her family was questionable.
When Kelly reported that Johnston was attempting to make contact with her and her family, an officer left a note suggesting she was "cop shopping" - a term deemed inappropriate for domestic violence situations. This led to disciplinary action against the officer.
And this is the part most people miss: the police's decision not to review Kelly's case further, despite her connection to a domestic violence support service and her expressed fears about Johnston's military background.
The inquest continues, shedding light on a system that failed to protect a vulnerable woman. It raises important questions about the handling of domestic violence cases and the need for improved protocols.
What are your thoughts on this tragic story? Do you think the police's actions were justified, or do you see room for improvement? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below.
