Mother's Murder Linked to Bail Decision

0:00In Sydney today, March 3rd, Kelly Wilkinson, a 27-year-old mother of three, was murdered by her estranged husband, Brian Johnston, in April 2021, just days after police improperly granted him bail. She had been flagged as high-risk by both Queensland police and a domestic violence service due to serious safety concerns. Wilkinson had accused Johnston of rape and other abuses, offenses that should have required a magistrate's review under show cause rules. Instead, the same officer who arrested him at Southport Station granted bail on the spot, a move later deemed against the bail act. She had reached out to police four times in the weeks before her death, fearing for her life after getting a domestic violence order. Despite these warnings, authorities dismissed some contacts as cop shopping, an inquest now underway is probing the police response, with investigators calling the bail decision concerning, especially at a busy station. They noted it was a common but inappropriate practice in the area.

1:00Johnston, a former US Marine, pleaded guilty to the murder in 2024 and got life in prison. The coroner aims to check if police policies and training have improved to better protect domestic violence victims. This episode is supported by our sponsor. When you need a moment alone, just lay back and listen.