Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson was an Australian woman who was murdered by her estranged husband, Brian Earl Johnston, in Queensland. She is newsworthy due to an inquest examining potential failures by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) that may have contributed to her death. The inquest has revealed that Wilkinson sought help from police just days before her murder but was turned away and told to "cool off." Furthermore, the QPS reportedly missed opportunities to prevent the murder, including a reported breach of a protection order that was not properly addressed. It has also been revealed that police improperly granted Johnston bail days before the murder, despite rape allegations that should have required a magistrate's determination. Wilkinson was flagged as high-risk by both police and a domestic violence service, highlighting the severity of the situation and the potential for intervention. The inquest underscores the critical need for improved police responses to domestic violence and the protection of vulnerable individuals.