Police Improperly Granted Bail to Murder Suspect Days Before Gold Coast Killing
An inquest has heard that Queensland police improperly granted bail to Brian Earl Johnston days before he murdered his estranged wife, Kelly Wilkinson, at her Gold Coast home in April 2021. The 27-year-old mother of three had been flagged as a high-risk victim by both police and domestic violence services.
Systemic Failures in Domestic Violence Response
Deputy coroner Stephanie Gallagher is conducting a three-day inquest into Wilkinson's murder at Southport, examining whether Queensland Police Service responses complied with policies and whether appropriate changes have been implemented. Detective Inspector Suzanne Newton testified that the decision to grant Johnston bail was "against the bail act" and represented concerning police behavior.
Newton explained that Johnston's case involved rape allegations that should have been treated as "show cause" offences requiring magistrate review. "They must, should go through the watch house and they go in front of the magistrate," she stated, noting that police officers cannot grant bail in such situations under Queensland law.
Multiple Warning Signs Ignored
Wilkinson had contacted police on four separate occasions before her murder and had recently obtained a domestic violence order against Johnston. She described him as "abusive and controlling" during police interviews. Following a March 30, 2021 interview, she was officially classified as a high-risk aggrieved party.
The Gold Coast Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Service also referred Wilkinson to police as "high risk" due to immediate safety concerns and reported incidents of violence. Despite these multiple warnings, Johnston was granted bail by the same officer who arrested him at Southport police station.
Concerning Police Practices Revealed
Newton expressed particular concern about the officer having multiple roles in Johnston's case, noting this might be acceptable in rural stations with limited staff but was "not appropriate" at the large Southport facility. She revealed this approach was commonly used throughout the Southport police district.
Johnston, a 37-year-old former US Marine, used a 20-liter jerry can of petrol to set Wilkinson and himself alight on April 20, 2021. Wilkinson died from her burns while Johnston survived by jumping into her pool. He pleaded guilty to murder in 2024 and received a life sentence from Justice Peter Applegarth.
Ongoing Investigation and Systemic Review
The coroner's investigation will determine whether police followed proper procedures and whether Queensland Police Service has implemented adequate training and policy changes regarding domestic violence responses. The inquest continues as authorities examine systemic issues in domestic violence case management.
Justice Applegarth noted during sentencing that Johnston "intended to kill her, and then kill yourself – something you failed to achieve." The couple had married in 2011 after meeting online and had three children before separating.
