The woman at the centre of Australia's notorious mushroom murder case should spend the rest of her life behind bars, prosecutors have argued in a sentencing hearing that laid bare the devastating impact of her crimes.
Erin Patterson, who pleaded guilty to murdering three lunch guests with a toxic beef Wellington, listened as the court heard she should never be granted parole for the calculated killings that shocked the nation.
A Deadly Family Meal
The tragic events unfolded in July 2023 when Patterson served the contaminated meal at her Leongatha home in regional Victoria. Among her guests were her former parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66.
All three died agonising deaths days after consuming the dish containing deadly death cap mushrooms. Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, was the sole survivor after spending nearly two months fighting for his life in hospital.
Victims' Heartbreaking Final Words
The court heard chilling details from victim impact statements, including Gail Patterson's final message to her son: "I'm going to hospital, love. I think I've been poisoned."
Heather Wilkinson's son described watching his mother's "horrific and painful" decline, telling the court: "I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy to see someone they love go through that."
Prosecution's Damning Assessment
Prosecutors argued Patterson's crimes demonstrated a level of planning and calculation that warranted the most severe punishment available. They highlighted her knowledge of mushrooms and the specific selection of deadly death caps as evidence of premeditation.
"The offender should never be released," the prosecution stated, emphasising the breach of trust involved in poisoning guests invited into her home.
A Community Shattered
The small community of Leongatha remains deeply affected by the tragedy, with the court hearing how the triple funeral for the victims saw the local town come to a standstill.
Surviving family members described living in a "constant state of anxiety" and the permanent void left by their loved ones' untimely deaths.
As the sentencing hearing continues, the nation watches to see what fate awaits one of Australia's most notorious convicted murderers.
