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Brian Earl Johnston, 37, appeared earlier than Brisbane Supreme Courtroom on Wednesday by way of video hyperlink for arraignment on one depend of murdering Wilkinson on April 20, 2021 in a Gold Coast yard as a home violence offence.
Justice Peter Callaghan requested Johnston to repeat his plea of responsible because it was not clear on the video hyperlink from custody.
Prosecutors beforehand alleged Johnston tied the mother-of-three up earlier than setting her alight at her Arundel residence.
The previous US marine was beforehand additionally charged with breaching a home violence order and his bail circumstances.
Johnston was arrested two blocks from the house struggling burns to his fingers.
In courtroom on Wednesday, Johnston didn’t reply when requested if he needed to say something as to why sentence shouldn’t be handed upon him.
Defence barrister Kim Bryson stated she had agreed with crown prosecutor Philip McCarthy that March 13 can be appropriate for a sentencing listening to.
“There are some factual issues that stay contested in relation to the background of the connection … we’ve got been annoyed in our efforts to get out to the jail as a result of lockdowns which have occurred,” Bryson stated.
McCarthy stated there was additionally a contest of info over the motivation for Johnston murdering Wilkinson.
Callaghan stated he might change the sentencing date if wanted and ordered that Johnston stay in custody.
Help is out there from the Nationwide Sexual Assault, Home Household Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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