The man accused of murdering young mum Kelly Wilkinson has appeared in court with burns on his face and neck.
Ms Wilkinson’s estranged husband, Brian Earl Johnston, is charged with murdering the mother of three in April 2020.
Police allege her burnt body was found at the back of her Arundel home on the Gold Coast.
Mr Johnston was allegedly found by police close by to the home a short time later with serious burns to his hands and airway.
During a short hearing at Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday, Mr Johnson sat quietly in the dock wearing a black suit with visible facial injuries.
Kelly Wilkinson was found dead by police at her Arundel home on the Gold Coast in 2020. Picture: Supplied
The court was told Mr Johnston had recently hired a new legal team, led by defence barrister Kim Bryson.
Ms Bryson told the court she was yet to see the brief of evidence against her client but was expecting to receive it on Monday after the review.
She said she will be meeting with Mr Johnston in August to discuss his defence and the brief of evidence.
Police allege Mr Johnston doused his estranged wife in petrol before setting her alight in the back of her home.
Brian Johnston is accused of murdering Kelly Wilkinson in 2020. Picture: Supplied
Crown prosecutor Philip McCarthy KC said he expected the trial against Mr Johnston ‘will take somewhere over three weeks’.
He told the court the Crown will be alleging Mr Johnston had a ‘history of domestic violence … that would include sexual violence towards’ Ms Wilkinson during the trial.
Justice Callaghan said the closest available date for trial would be early February next year.
He adjourned the matter to September 11 to allow Ms Bryson to speak with her client about his defence case.
The matter was also listed for pre-trial discussion on November 17, where it’s expected several applications will be made by both the defence and the prosecution as to how best to proceed with the trial.
Police at the scene following Ms Wilkinson’s death
Mr Johnston, who is yet to enter a plea, remains in custody.
Police charged another man, Bradley Bell, with Ms Wilkinson’s murder after ongoing police investigations into her death.
Police will allege Mr Bell drove Mr Johnston to Arundel home and helped fill up a jerry can with fuel along the way.
Mr Bell was committed to stand trial in Southport Magistrates Court in May, 2023.
He will face Brisbane Supreme Court at a later date.
Mr Bell remains in custody.
Ms Wilkinson’s sister Danielle Carroll and her husband Rhys were seated in court during Monday’s mention.
The couple have been taking care of Ms Wilkinson’s three children since Mr Johnston’s arrest.
It’s believed the three children were home at the time their father allegedly murdered their mother.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk