LATEST @ 1.00 PM | The estranged husband of murdered Gold Coast mother Kelly Wilkinson has been jailed for life.
Brian Earl Johnston killed the mother-of-three by stabbing her multiple times before dousing her in petrol and setting her alight in the backyard of her Arundel home in April 2021.
The former US Marine was charged with the 27-year-old’s murder and had been planning to fight the charge at trial.
However, he pleaded guilty during an arraignment in February, just weeks before he was due to stand trial.
During a sentencing hearing in Brisbane’s Supreme Court, the judge today handed down the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment for the “planned, premeditated” killing.
The 37-year-old will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years in custody, but given time already served, he could walk free in April 2041.
Ms Wilkinson’s sister Danielle Carroll has slammed the parole period handed down.
“Although a life sentence is fitting for someone who has committed such horrific Domestic Violence crimes, I can’t help but feel let down by the prospect of him being given a second chance and walking free after 20 years,” Ms Carroll said.
“55! He could be free at 55! My heart aches for Kelly.
“This is not justice for her, this is not justice for our family and this is not justice for future victims and our community”.
Ms Carroll, who is now the sole carer of Ms Wilkinson’s three children, has vowed to continue to honour her sister for the rest of her life.
“My family’s journey does not stop here today it will never end, which makes me question who really gets the life sentence,” she said.
“I’m proud to be able to stand up and honour Kelly by building a lasting legacy with the Kelly Wilkinson Foundation.
“I will walk with her always by my side, helping secondary victims of Domestic Violence… I ask for the community’s support to help the Foundation to create a positive legacy for Kelly”.
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EARLIER @ 7.00 AM | The man accused of the horrific murder of Gold Coast mother Kelly Wilkinson will finally learn his fate for the crime that shocked the nation.
Brian Earl Johnston will be sentenced in Brisbane’s Supreme Court this morning for murdering his estranged wife at her Arundel home almost three years ago.
It comes after the former US Marine sensationally pleaded guilty to the murder during an arraignment in February, just weeks before he was due to stand trial.
Ms Wilkinson died after she was doused in petrol and set alight in the backyard of her property in April 2021.
The mother of three’s death sparked outrage and a huge public outcry in the community.
It also led to a Queensland Police review following revelations Ms Wilkinson had sought protection in the weeks leading up to her death.
