A former US Marine already serving a life sentence for brutally murdering his wife by stabbing her and setting her on fire will face court for allegedly raping her.
Brian Earl Johnston, 37, will appear before a committal hearing later this year over allegations that he repeatedly raped his ex-wife Kelly Wilkinson just weeks before her gruesome murder, the newspaper reported. mail.
Johnston received a mandatory life sentence in March 2024 for the shocking murder of his long-term partner on April 20, 2021.
He set Wilkinson on fire after ambushing him in the backyard of his home in Arundel on the Gold Coast at around 6.40am.
The mother-of-three suffered life-threatening burns and emergency services were unable to save her.
Multiple stab wounds were also discovered on Ms Wilkinson’s body.
Johnston was found two blocks away in the front yard in a “semi-conscious state” with severe burns to his hands and airways.
Brian Earl Johnston, 37, will face an arraignment hearing later this year over allegations he repeatedly raped his ex-wife Kelly Wilkinson just weeks before her gruesome murder.
Johnston stabbed and set Ms Wilkinson on fire after being ambushed in her backyard.
Ms Wilkinson had expressed fears for her safety to police just weeks before her murder.
The rape allegations were made in early 2021, just days before Wilkinson’s death.
The court brief filed by police revealed that Johnson allegedly digitally raped Ms. Wilkinson on February 10, 12 and 13, 2021 at her home in Arundel.
On each occasion it is alleged that Johnston “overpowered” Ms Wilkinson in a bedroom before she could escape.
Mrs Wilkinson allegedly confronted Johnston after the second occasion and told him: “What you have done to me is sexual assault.”
Johnston allegedly responded, “You can’t rape your wife.”
Mrs Wilkinson allegedly responded: “I have the right to say no.”
Johnston was arrested and charged on April 12, 2021 and granted bail.
He walked free from Southport police station without having to apply for bail at a court hearing.
Ms Wilkinson had raised fears for her safety to police in March 2021 and Johnston was given a protection order.
Johnston was ordered to appear in court on April 30, 2021.
He murdered his wife eight days after his arrest and nine days before his court appearance.
At Southport Domestic Violence Court on Friday, Magistrate Jane Bentley set the matter for a two-day committal hearing on August 27 and 28, 2024.
The court heard Johnston was currently suffering from smallpox and is in isolation.
He will be able to apply for parole within 17 years, taking into account the three years he has already spent in custody.
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