In a shocking revelation, an inquest has uncovered a disturbing incident involving Kelly Wilkinson's desperate attempt to seek help from the police just days before her tragic demise. According to the proceedings, Wilkinson was turned away from Southport police station on April 16, 2021, with an officer allegedly instructing her to 'cool off' and give her estranged husband, Brian Earl Johnston, 'a break'. This incident occurred just four days before Johnston committed the heinous act of burning Kelly to death at her Gold Coast home. The family's lawyer, Mitch Rawlings, has vehemently denied the police's claim that April 12, 2021, was the last time Wilkinson engaged with law enforcement. He presented evidence of Wilkinson's presence at the police station on April 16, emphasizing the absence of any record in the internal police system. Rawlings recounted how one of Kelly's sisters drove her to the station, where Kelly briefly exited the car to deliver some documents. Upon returning to the car, she expressed frustration, recounting how the front desk officer dismissed her with the dismissive advice to 'cool off' and give her husband 'a break'. The family's lawyer further revealed that Wilkinson had shared this experience with two additional individuals, including Danielle Carroll, who made the allegation during a recorded interview with the police after Wilkinson's death. The inquest, which began on Wednesday, has already unveiled a series of missed opportunities by the police to intervene before the tragic murder. The court heard that Johnston was improperly granted bail eight days prior to the murder, and an officer recorded Wilkinson's attendance at Southport, falsely suggesting she was 'cop shopping' due to a previous visit to another station on the same day. As the inquest continues, it is crucial to address the systemic issues within the police force and ensure that such failures in protecting vulnerable individuals are never repeated.
