Mushroom murderer Erin Patterson jailed for life with 33-year non-parole term
Erin Patterson was sentenced to life imprisonment for poisoning three relatives with toxic mushrooms and attempting to kill a fourth, receiving at least 33 years before she can apply for parole.
Sentence Highlights
Patterson received three consecutive life terms for the murders and a 25-year sentence for the attempted murder, ensuring she cannot seek release until age 80 or beyond.
Details of the Case
In 2023, Patterson served a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms to her relatives. Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson died; Heather’s husband Ian survived but remains permanently injured. Patterson claims she never intended harm, attributing the poisoning to accidental inclusion of mushrooms.
Judicial Findings
Justice Christopher Beale described the offences as the “worst category” of offending completed with an “elaborate cover-up” and noted Patterson’s lack of remorse. He granted the possibility of parole after 33 years, citing harsh prison conditions and Patterson’s high risk as a notorious inmate.
Survivor’s Response
Ian Wilkinson, speaking outside court, thanked law enforcement and medical staff and urged kindness. He called on the public to support victims of violent crimes.
Broadcast and Appeal
For the first time, the sentencing was broadcast live, reflecting unprecedented public interest. Patterson has 28 days to appeal her conviction and sentence.
Patterson’s elaborate cover-up and lack of remorse marked her crime as one of the most serious in Australian criminal history.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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