Australia mushroom murderer sentenced to life in prison

Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years.

This sentence followed her conviction in July for murders of three of her relatives-her parents-in-law, Dona, Gail Patterson and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, at a family lunch.

She allegedly attempted to kill her husband by serving poisoned pasta, sandwich wrap and chicken curry.

On Monday morning, Justice Christopher Baele delivered the sentence during a live broadcast in the Victorian supreme court.

Following an 11-week trial, the jury found Patterson guilty of murdering the parents of her estranged husband.

The jury also convicted Patterson of attempting to murder Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson.

Patterson hosted the guests at a lunch in July 2023 and intentionally attempted to feed them beef wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms.

In an emotional victim impact statement given at a pre-sentence hearing last month, Ian Wilkinson, a pastor, offered forgiveness to Erin Patterson for trying to murder him.

He concluded his statement by saying, “Now, I am no longer Erin Patterson’s victim, and she became the victim of my kindness.”

Justice Christopher Beale said at the hearing in Melbourne, “The devastating impact of your crimes is not limited to your direct victims. Your crimes have harmed a great many people.”

The prosecution and defense lawyers had agreed that a life sentence was an appropriate punishment for Petterson's crimes on three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

The defense lawyers argued that she should be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.

Prosecutors have argued that she could never be considered for release because she did not deserve the court’s mercy.

Erin Patterson has until October 6 to lodge an appeal against her conviction.

She pleaded not guilty to all charges and claimed the deaths were a tragic accident.