A chilling tale of injustice unfolded in the Queensland Police's handling of a domestic violence case, as revealed in a coronial inquest. The tragic story of Kelly Wilkinson, a Gold Coast mother of three, serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when police procedures are not followed. In 2021, Wilkinson was brutally murdered by Brian Earl Johnston, a man who had been granted bail just nine days prior, despite being charged with raping his estranged wife. The inquest unveiled a series of concerning events, including a 'show cause' situation where Johnston was released from the police station without appearing before a magistrate, as required by Queensland's bail act. This decision, made by the Ethical Standards Command, has sparked debate and raised questions about the effectiveness of police procedures in high-risk domestic violence cases. The police's response to Wilkinson's reports of fear for her safety was also scrutinized, with the domestic violence service's request for a review being deemed unnecessary. The inquest continues to shed light on the intricate details of this case, inviting public discussion and scrutiny.
