Conviction and Sentencing
The Court of Appeal in Victoria has accepted Erin Patterson's application, which now allows her legal representatives to appeal the verdict from her last trial; however, the grounds of the appeal have not yet been released. Appeals, in accordance with Australian law, are not automatic and must be granted to the courts to proceed if a legal error has occurred. Patterson maintains her innocence and claims the poisoning was accidental and states she never meant to put the poisonous mushrooms into the beef Wellington served for lunch.
During the course of the 11-week trial, the court has heard that Patterson's in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both aged 70 years, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66 years old, all died after eating the meal. Jeremy's father, Ian Wilkinson, who is also the local pastor, is recovering due to the poisoning but suffers from ongoing health conditions. After a jury verdict and based on deliberation of 7 days, Patterson was found guilty on all charges and received a life sentence, which is one of the longest sentences for a woman in Australia. Erin Patterson will not be able to apply for parole for at least 33 years.
New Developments and Public Interest
Although the 28-day window to appeal lapsed on 6 October 2023, a new procedural rule has allowed Patterson's legal team to seek leave to grant extra time to lodge the paperwork. Moreover, prosecutors have also appealed, claiming Patterson's sentence was "manifestly inadequate."
Erin Patterson's case captured great public and media interest, specifically during the 11-week trial in the town of Morwell, Victoria. Throughout the almost 9 weeks of evidence, members of the jury heard Patterson allegedly foraged for the deadly Death Cap mushrooms and deceived her relatives under the guise of a lunch invitation, stating she had cancer. Evidence also included Patterson attempting to cover her actions by misleading investigators and disposing of evidence.
Patterson's ex-husband, Simon Patterson, who was also invited to the family lunch but declined, believed Patterson had tried to poison him in the past. He reported he had become very ill after eating her food, at one time becoming comatose and having to undergo major surgery to remove part of his bowel.
Life Sentence and Forward
Erin Patterson is currently in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, which is a maximum-security women's prison located in Melbourne. Justice Christopher Beale noted that Patterson remains locked in her cell for approximately 22 hours a day and cannot interact with other prisoners due to her being a "major offender." He also stated to the court that Patterson's high-profile status and known case will more likely keep her an isolated prisoner, and thus a possible reduction to her fine and length of sentence may remain subservient for several years ahead.
