JOHNSTON AWAKENS, CHARGED
BRIAN Earl Johnston has woken from his induced coma and police have told him he has been charged with the murder of his estranged wife Kelly Wilkinson.
Johnston’s lawyer Chris Hannay, of Hannay Lawyers, said the 34-year-old was wrapped in bandages from the blankets to his chin when he saw him for the first time on Friday morning.
The former US Marine has been in the burns unit of Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital since Kelly died on Tuesday last week.
Kelly, 27, was set alight in her Arundel backyard about 6.40am.
Johnston has been charged with murder, breaching a domestic violence order and breaching bail.
Mr Hannay said he saw Johnston for about six minutes on Friday morning.
He could not confirm if Johnston was going to contest the charges as it was “very early stages”.
“There was absolutely nothing about the event,” he said. “He could only answer questions and that was by a whisper.”
Mr Hannay said Johnston did not ask about his children or his parents and they were not mentioned.
“I can confirm that police advised him he was charged,” he said.
“He appears to be understanding.”
Mr Hannay said it was not clear how long Johnston would remain in hospital under police guard.
“He is clearly ill,” he said. Mr Hannay said Johnston was “coherent but quiet”.
He said it appeared the injuries would be painful if he was not sedated.
Johnston was supposed to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Friday in relation to serious assault charges. The nature of the charges cannot be revealed for legal reasons.
Johnston was charged on April 12 for alleged incidents which took place in February this year.
Johnston’s lawyer Farshad Sarabi, of Hannay Lawyers, told the court Johnston remained in hospital under police guard.
He said he had bail on the serious assault charges.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Nicole Jackson asked for the assault matters to be adjourned to join up with the murder charge.
Magistrate Joan White adjourned the matter to the domestic and family violence court on July 16.