Kelly Wilkinson murder: Estranged husband pleads guilty over horror Gold Coast fire attack

A former US marine has pleaded guilty to the murder of his estranged wife, Kelly Wilkinson, in relation to a horrific fiery attack in the backyard of her Gold Coast home.

Former United States Marine Brian Earl Johnston has pleaded guilty to the murder of his estranged wife Kelly Wilkinson less than one month before he was due to face trial.

The mother of three died in April 2021 after Johnston set her on fire in a horrific attack in the backyard of her Arundel home at the Gold Coast.

Ms Wilkinson’s family were in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Wednesday to witness Johnston’s arraignment.

Kelly Wilkinson died in April 2021 after Johnston set her on fire in a horrific attack in the backyard of her Arundel home at the Gold Coast. Picture: Facebook

He appeared in court via video link from the Wolston Correctional Centre and pleaded guilty to one count of murder.

Defence barrister Kim Bryson said there would be some contest in relation to the factual background of the relationship between Johnston and Ms Wilkinson.

She said attempts to take instructions from Johnston had been frustrated by prison lockdowns but there were plans for the defence team to meet with him in the coming weeks.

Ms Bryson said she would endeavor to advise the court of the issues to be contested at sentence by the end of this month.

Crown Prosecutor Philip McCarthy KC said the motivation for murder was not in dispute between the parties but agreed the broader facts surrounding the circumstances of the relationship were contested.

Justice Peter Callaghan delisted the trial which had been due to begin next month.

Former United States Marine Brian Earl Johnston has pleaded guilty to Kelly Wilkinson’s murder. Picture Facebook

The case was set down for sentence on March 13.

Ms Wilkinson’s death sent shockwaves across Queensland and sparked a review into the police response to domestic violence.

In the wake of the attack, a senior police officer conceded the Queensland Police had failed to protect Ms Wilkinson who contacted police twice in the weeks before her death with concerns about Johnston.

Johnston suffered serious burns during the attack and was placed in an induced coma while he recovered before being transferred to a correctional centre where he has remained on remand.

Ms Wilkinson was aged 18 when she married Johnston after a whirlwind courtship in the United States.

They had three children together.

If you, or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there is support. Call the 24-hour hotline 1800-RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Police at the scene in Arundel. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Steve Holland