Imagine a system designed to protect the vulnerable, yet failing them at every turn. That's the chilling reality exposed by the inquest into the murder of Gold Coast mother Kelly Wilkinson. But here's where it gets even more disturbing: despite clear red flags, Queensland Police granted bail to her estranged husband, Brian Earl Johnston, just nine days before he brutally took her life in 2021.
Johnston, a former US Marine, confessed to stabbing Wilkinson, a mother of three, and setting her on fire. The Southport Coroners Court inquest is now dissecting the police interactions leading up to this horrific act. On the opening day, a shocking detail emerged: Johnston was charged with raping Wilkinson at the Southport police station nine days prior to her murder. Instead of being held in custody pending a magistrate's decision, as mandated by Queensland's bail act, he was inexplicably granted 'station bail.'
Former Ethical Standards Command Detective Inspector Susan Newton, who reviewed the police response, was unequivocal: station bail was never an option. 'In a show cause situation, they should go through the watch house and appear before a magistrate,' she stated. 'We can't actually give bail.' The court acknowledged the uncertainty of whether a magistrate would have granted bail, but the fact remains—Johnston should never have been free.
And this is the part most people miss: Police were alerted to Wilkinson's fears for her safety three weeks before her death. They were first called to her home after Johnston expressed concerns for his children's safety. However, after speaking with Wilkinson, officers realized she was the victim. A temporary protection order was issued, labeling the case as 'high-risk' domestic violence. Wilkinson was connected to a support service, where she shared deeper fears, including Johnston's military background. Despite this, when the service requested a police review, the response was, 'No further review was necessary.'
The last police interaction on Wilkinson's behalf occurred on April 13, 2021. Detective Inspector Newton defended this, stating, 'The Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch was already in contact with Ms Wilkinson. There were no fresh allegations at the time.'
But here's where it gets controversial: After the protection order, a 'director of a law firm' began texting Wilkinson on Johnston's behalf, attempting to return her car keys and arrange access to the children. Police dismissed this as a 'technical breach,' deeming it not in the public interest to investigate. In the week before her death, Wilkinson reported Johnston's attempts to contact her and her family to Southport Police Station. She also mentioned filing a report at Runaway Bay Police Station. An officer's file note in the police database read: 'It appears she is cop shopping to get the outcome she wants.'
Following Wilkinson's death, an internal review led to disciplinary action against that officer. 'The words used were not appropriate in a domestic violence situation,' Detective Inspector Newton emphasized.
This inquest isn't just about one tragic case—it's a stark reminder of systemic failures. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: How many more lives could be saved if police protocols were stricter and red flags were never ignored? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could drive real change. The inquest continues, but the lessons must begin now.
