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The inquest into the tragic death of a mother-of-three, which occurred on April 20, 2021, took an unexpected turn on Thursday. The proceedings were suddenly halted due to a startling new claim brought forth by the Wilkinson family’s lawyer.
The lawyer, Rawlings, recounted an incident involving Kelly Wilkinson’s sister. According to Rawlings, the sister had driven Kelly to the Southport police station on a crucial day. While she stayed with the car, Kelly approached the station with some documents in hand.
Rawlings conveyed to Deputy State Coroner Stephanie Gallagher that when Kelly returned to the car, she expressed frustration. She alleged that the person at the front desk dismissed her concerns, reportedly advising her to “just cool off” and to “give Brian a break.”
This explosive claim prompted Rawlings to request an adjournment of the inquest proceedings to allow for the consideration of this new evidence. Deputy State Coroner Gallagher consented to this adjournment.
Throughout the week, the inquest held on the Gold Coast had been examining the circumstances surrounding Wilkinson’s death. Testimonies revealed that law enforcement had overlooked significant chances to offer her protection, a point underscored by the recent developments.
Johnston had been incorrectly released on bail nine days before the murder after being charged with four counts of sexually assaulting his wife.
Police also failed by incorrectly filing Wilkinson’s complaint about Johnston allegedly breaching a protection order, which made it much harder for other officers to find details about her case.
“Overall, it appears they followed procedures that were outlined for them to do, but there were areas they could improve on as well,” he told Southport Coroners Court.
Officers were first made aware of Wilkinson’s complaints about domestic violence 23 days before her murder, and later visited her home to organise for her to make a statement.
Rawlings’ last-minute claim came after her heartbroken family wept openly as they gave an emotional victim impact statement on Thursday.
Wilkinson’s sister Danielle Carroll said her sister had so much life left to live.
“This was her only dream – she was a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother,” Carroll said.
“She was home for her three children, a safe space; she loved them unconditionally.”
The children now live with Carroll and her family, but it can never be the life they would have shared with their mother.
“All that Kelly wanted from life was to love and be loved – there are no words for the way she suffered in her last moments.
“There will never be any words to pass on to her children to make them feel okay.”
The ripple effect of the tragedy has been “immeasurable” with the family surviving minute by minute, hour by hour, she said.
“Losing someone to such a horrific murder is a different beast, it is unforgiving.
“For every milestone and achievement of her children, I stand with them and celebrate, but it should be her.”
Just after 3am on April 20, 2021, Johnston went to a petrol station where he filled a 20-litre jerry can with fuel.
Dressed in black clothes and a black face mask, Johnston then turned up at Wilkinson’s home, breaching his temporary protection order.
He attacked his wife, stabbing her repeatedly before dousing her with petrol and burning her alive.
Johnston pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life behind bars.
The inquest – initially set to end on Thursday – has been adjourned to a later date following the latest allegation.
Support is available by calling 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
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