Kelly Wilkinson death: Alleged killer Brian Earl Johnston has matter mentioned in Gold Coast court

Police are still working through DNA evidence obtained after a Gold Coast mum-of-three was set on fire in her backyard, a court was told. LATEST >>>

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POLICE are still working through DNA evidence obtained after a Gold Coast mum-of-three was set on fire in her backyard, a court was told.

The large amount of evidence means the matter will not return to court for another three months.

Brian Earl Johnston did not appear in Southport Magistrates Court when his matter was mentioned on Friday morning.

He is charged with murder and breaching a domestic violence order.

It is alleged Johnston, 34, set the fire to young mum-of-three Kelly Wilkinson, 27, in her Arundel backyard on April 20.

Neighbours alerted police at 6.40am on Tuesday after hearing “raised voices” and a commotion at the Spikes Ct property at Arundel.

Police found Ms Wilkinson dead in the backyard.

It is alleged Johnston poured petrol on Ms Wilkinson before setting her alight in front of their children.

The ex-marine allegedly fled the Arundel home, leaving behind a blood trail, and was found at a nearby Langer Place property.

A jerry can and two knives were allegedly found at the scene.

Defence lawyer Farshad Sarabi, of Hannay Lawyers, told the court on Friday they had been give the brief of evidence and a “couple of elements were missing”.

He said it was a large brief.

Prosecutor Trudy Jobbins said police had also obtained DNA evidence which was being analysed.

Magistrate Michelle Dooley said: “So there is a bit to be done.”

She adjourned the matter to October 15 for mention.

Safety fears for alleged killer of Coast mum - July 9

THE former US marine accused of murdering estranged partner Kelly Wilkinson is not expected to apply for bail due to concerns for his safety, his lawyer says.

Brian Earl Johnston is in custody accused of pouring petrol on Ms Wilkinson and setting her alight in front of their three children in her Arundel backyard about 6.40am on April 20.

He has been charged with murder and breaching a domestic violence order.

Johnston’s lawyer Chris Hannay, of Hannay Lawyers, said Johnston was not planning a bail application.

Brian Johnston. Picture Facebook

“He has not asked for a bail application because of concerns for his safety,” he said.

Ms Wilkinson’s death enraged the community. The construction industry united to build a home for Ms Wilkinson’s children and her sister’s family.

Ms Wilkinson’s children are living with her sister and her five children.

Neighbours who rushed to the Arundel property after seeing flames shoot up over the fence allegedly saw blood on the rear patio and the young mother up against the fence, motionless, and well alight.

A blood trail was found leading away from the property to a nearby Langer Place home where Johnston was found, police allege.

Johnston, who was found in a “semiconscious” state with burns, was carrying a knife sheath, police say.

Police will allege Johnston jumped into the pool to douse the flames on himself.

Police allegedly found a melted plastic jerry can, three knives and a duffel bag containing white rope, duct tape and a black and red jemmy bar at the scene.

Johnston spent the first weeks after the alleged murder in hospital recovering from severe burns, but was recently moved to a general prison.

Kelly Wilkinson. Picture: Facebook

“His individual fingers are wrapped in plasters but he is still able to write,” Mr Hannay said.

It is understood Johnston is in a “bad place” mentally.

Mr Hannay said he had been unable to visit Johnston in recent weeks due to coronavirus restrictions at the prisons banning all visitors.

It is understood the police brief of evidence in the case has been completed ahead of the matter returning to court on July 16.

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