Melbourne, Sep 8 (AP) - An Australian judge has sentenced Erin Patterson to life in prison, with a non-parole period of 33 years, after finding her guilty of poisoning four of her estranged husband's relatives using death cap mushrooms.
Justice Christopher Beale told the Supreme Court of Victoria that Patterson's crimes represented a profound betrayal of trust.
Patterson was convicted in July for the murder of Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Heather Wilkinson, by serving them a meal of beef Wellington pastries containing the deadly mushrooms.
Additionally, she was convicted of attempting to murder Heather Wilkinson's husband, Ian, who required extended medical treatment after the poisoning.
Erin Patterson's estranged husband, Simon Patterson, had been invited to the July 2023 lunch but chose not to attend. The lunch was for her parents-in-law and her estranged husband's aunt and uncle.
Justice Beale noted, "Your victims were your relatives by marriage, people who had shown you kindness over the years. Your actions have devastated the Patterson and Wilkinson families and caused immense suffering for your own children, who are now without their grandparents."
Both the prosecution and defense agreed that a life sentence was suitable for the 50-year-old on the charges of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. The defense, however, sought parole eligibility after 30 years, while prosecutors opposed any possibility of parole.
Survivor Ian Wilkinson did not comment on the sentencing itself but expressed gratitude for the support received from law enforcement, prosecutors, and health professionals since the incident. He emphasized the importance of kindness and thanked well-wishers for their prayers and support.
During the sentencing, Beale stated that Patterson had also aimed to kill her husband, had he attended the meal. She allegedly feigned cancer to bring the family together, claiming she sought advice on discussing her illness with her two children.
Beale acknowledged Ian Wilkinson's account, which suggested that Patterson ensured she did not consume the poisoned food by using a different plate for herself.
The judge refrained from speculating on Patterson's motives, pointing out, "Only you know why you committed these crimes."
Patterson showed minimal emotion during the hour-long sentencing, keeping her eyes closed or gazing straight ahead. She maintained the mushrooms were added accidentally, though initially denying their presence to the authorities.
Her failure to provide any psychiatric or psychological insight into her actions led the judge to infer her deliberate intent to kill.
Patterson, now in custody since November 2, 2023, has 28 days to appeal her convictions and sentence. On becoming eligible for parole in November 2056, she will be 82 years old.
The case has garnered significant public interest, corroborated by the live broadcast of the sentencing hearing by the Victorian Supreme Court—a historic first.
Justice Beale recognized the unprecedented media coverage, making Patterson a "notorious" prisoner requiring isolation for her safety, resulting in harsher conditions than those of the general prison population.
Patterson spends up to 22 hours a day in solitary and has no interaction with her adjacent neighbor, a convicted terrorist. "Given the extensive media attention and potential future portrayals of your case, you are likely to remain a notorious prisoner and at risk from other inmates," stated Beale. (AP)
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