Erin Patterson was sentenced to life in prison after she murdered three Australian dinner guests, including her estranged husband’s aunt and uncle, and attempted to kill a fourth person after serving them death cap mushrooms in a beef Wellington
Erin Patterson, the mushroom murderer, showed little emotion as she was handed a life sentence. Patterson, 50, maintained her innocence in the killings of Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson. However, after a gruelling nine-week trial, the jury convicted her on three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.
Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, endured weeks in hospital but miraculously survived after undergoing a liver transplant. Tragically, Don, Gail and Heather succumbed to death cap mushrooms served in beef Wellingtons during a lunch gathering on July 29, 2023.
On Monday, September 8, Patterson faced sentencing at the Supreme Court of Victoria. Clad in a paisley top and tan jacket, she seemed subdued, blinking excessively as her heinous crimes were recounted in court.
Sandwiched between two prison guards in the dock of courtroom four, she appeared to nearly doze off as her sentencing proceeded. Observers noted Patterson leaning back in her chair with her eyes shut for much of the sentencing, reports the Mirror.
As she exited the court to commence her sentence, she tapped the desks of journalists on her way out, according to MailOnline. Justice Beale handed down Patterson’s sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum term of 33 years before parole eligibility.
Patterson is set to return to the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, where she’s been ordered to serve at least the next 33 years of her life. Justice Beale stated: “There is a substantial chance that for your protection you will continue to be held in solitary confinement for years to come.”
She now has until October 6 to appeal against her conviction or sentence or both. Speaking from the steps of the Supreme Court on Monday, 8 September, Ian Wilkinson expressed his gratitude towards the police, especially the Homicide Squad and Detective Stephen Eppinstall.
He praised their efforts, saying: “They made a professional, efficient and effective investigation into what happened at the lunch. They brought to light the truth of what happened with the death of three good people.”
Ian Wilkinson extended his thanks to the healthcare workers and services who cared for him, his wife, and Don and Gail Patterson. He encouraged them by saying: “I’d like to encourage all those involved to keep turning up and serving others. Our lives and the life of our community depends on the kindness of others. I would like to encourage everybody to be kind to each other.”
Ian Wilkinson also expressed his appreciation for the Office of Public Prosecutions and Nanette Rogers. He acknowledged their work, stating: “The court processes are a little bewildering to lay people like me and we are grateful for their expertise, their hard work and their perseverance that has secured this conviction. I’d also like to commend them for their kindness and compassion showed to us throughout this long process.”
Ian Wilkinson wrapped up by expressing his gratitude to the “many people” from all over Australia and beyond who have extended their support to his family. He exited the court, requesting the press to honour his family’s privacy as they navigate through their grief and healing process. “Thank you for listening. I hope you all have a great day.”
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