Triple murderer Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life in prison for poisoning four members of her husband’s family with a beef wellington laced with death cap mushrooms.
Justice Christopher Beale ordered Patterson to serve a minimum of 33 years before being eligible for parole, saying her crimes fell into the “worst category.”
“Your offending involved an enormous betrayal of trust,” Justice Beale said. “Your victims were all your relatives by marriage. More than that, they had all been good to you and your children over many years.”
Patterson, 50, was convicted of murdering Don and Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson, as well as the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, who survived after weeks in hospital.
Victim impact statements described the suffering of the victims, including Heather Wilkinson’s desperate pleas for water and Ian’s “tortured experience.” Justice Beale said Patterson showed “no pity” and “cut short three lives” while robbing her children of their grandparents.
Outside court, survivor Ian Wilkinson thanked police, health staff, and the community for their support. “Our lives and our community depend on the kindness of others,” he said.
Patterson, who has spent 18 months in solitary confinement due to her notoriety, maintains her innocence and is expected to appeal.
Source: News.com.au.
