Kelly Wilkinson murder charge: Bradley Bell, 25, appears in court

A second man charged with murder over the death of Gold Coast mum Kelly Wilkinson faced court in what appeared to be a hospital gown. He will defend the charge.

A second man charged with the horrific murder of Gold Coast mum Kelly Wilkinson will defend the charge, his lawyer says.

Ms Wilkinson, 27, a mother-of-three, was allegedly burned alive in her Arundel backyard by her estranged husband, former US marine Brian Johnston, in April.

On Tuesday, police also charged Mr Johnston’s former work colleague and housemate, Bradley Bell, 25, with murder.

Detectives allege Bell drove Johnston to Ms Wilkinson’s home and stopped for fuel on the way, which Johnston allegedly used to set her on fire.

Bradley Bell has been charged with the murder of Kelly Wilkinson. Picture: Facebook

Bell was arrested on Tuesday at a Coomera marine engineering business where he worked with Johnston, who remains in the medical wing of Arthur Gorrie jail after allegedly suffering major burns in the incident.

Bell briefly faced Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday wearing what appeared to be a hospital gown.

His case was adjourned until October 15, when Johnston is also due to next face court.

Bell’s lawyer, Basis Karsas, said his client would be defending the charge but declined to comment further.

Johnston has also been charged with Ms Wilkinson’s murder and with breaching a domestic violence order.

Members of Ms Wilkinson’s family were in court for Bell’s appearance.

Kelly Wilkinson’s family leave court after a second man charged with the murder of the Gold Coast mum has faced court. Picture: Greg Stolz