Ian Wilkinson, a pastor who survived a deadly mushroom lunch that killed three family members, has told a Victorian court he forgives Erin Patterson for trying to murder him but cannot forgive her for the deaths of his wife, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law. The Supreme Court heard on Monday that both the prosecution and defence agree Patterson should receive a life sentence for her crimes, which Justice Christopher Beale described as 'horrendous'.
Wilkinson, whose wife Heather Wilkinson, 66, and in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, died after eating poisoned beef wellingtons in 2023, said he had not fully recovered from the death cap mushroom poisoning. In a 20-minute victim impact statement, he stated: 'I make an offer of forgiveness to Erin. In regards to the murders of Heather and Gail and Don, I am compelled to seek justice. Now I am no longer Erin Patterson’s victim, and she has become the victim of my kindness.'
Wilkinson spoke of his 44-year marriage to Heather, describing her as a stay-at-home mother who believed raising their four children was her greatest work. He said the trauma of her death and his near-death had left 'deep wounds' on the family. He added: 'It is a truly horrible thought to live with, that someone could decide to take her life.'
Simon Patterson, Erin's estranged husband, had his victim impact statement read in court by his cousin. He said his parents and aunt could have lived to 100 had they not been killed, and that his two children now live in an 'irreparably broken home' with a solo parent, knowing their mother murdered their grandparents. He also criticised the media for dehumanising behaviour, including stalking and filming his family.
Seven victim impact statements were read in court, with 28 tendered for the judge's consideration. Patterson was convicted last month of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. She is due to be sentenced in two weeks.
