Brian Earl Johnston: Convicted domestic violence killer back in court over sickening new allegations
Allegedly raped his estranged wife on three occasionsCurrently serving a mandatory life sentence for her horrific murder READ MORE: Kelly Wilkinson's husband killer Brian Earl Johnston is jailed for life over her murder on the Gold Coast
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 he repeatedly raped his estranged wife Kelly Wilkinson just weeks before her horrific murder, reported the Courier Mail.
Johnston was handed a mandatory life sentence in March 2024 for the shocking murder of his long-time partner on April 20, 2021.
He set Ms Wilkinson on fire after ambushing her in the backyard of her home at Arundel on the Gold Coast about 6.40am.
The mother-of-three suffered life-threatening burns and could not be saved by emergency services.
Multiple stab wounds were also discovered on Ms Wilkinson's body.
Johnston was found two blocks away on a front lawn in a 'semiconscious state' with serious burns to his hands and airways.
Brian Earl Johnston, 37, will face a committal hearing later this year over allegations he repeatedly raped his estranged wife Kelly Wilkinson just weeks before her horrific murder
Ms Wilkinson was stabbed and set on fire by Johnston after being ambushed in her backyard
Ms Wilkinson had expressed fears for her safety to police just weeks before her murder
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The rape allegations were made in early 2021, only days before Ms 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 Arundel home.
On each occasion it is alleged Johnston 'overpowered' Ms Wilkinson in a bedroom before she could escape.
Ms Wilkinson allegedly confronted Johnston after the second occasion and said, 'What you have done to me is sexual assault'.
Johnston allegedly replied, 'You can't rape your wife.'
Ms Wilkinson then allegedly responded, 'I have a right to say no'.
Johnston was arrested and charged on April 12, 2021 and granted watch-house bail.
He walked free from Southport Police Station without having to apply for bail in a courtroom hearing.
Ms Wilkinson had expressed fears for her safety to police in March 2021 and Johnston was placed under 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 he was due in court.
At Southport Domestic Violence Court on Friday, Magistrate Jane Bentley set the matter down 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 eligible to apply for parole in 17 years, taking into account the three years already spent in custody.
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