An Australian woman has been jailed for life, with no chance of release for at least 33 years, for murdering three relatives and attempting to kill another with a toxic mushroom meal.
The jail term, one of the longest ever handed to a female offender in Australia, means Erin Patterson, 50, will be in her 80s before she can apply for parole.
A Supreme Court judge described Patterson's crimes as the worst category for offending, involving an elaborate cover-up. She killed her in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, after serving them a toxic beef Wellington at her home in Victoria in 2023.
Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, survived the meal after recovering from a coma and continues to face health issues related to the poisoning. Patterson's estranged husband, Simon, was supposed to attend the lunch but canceled, citing previous suspicions of his wife's intentions.
Patterson has maintained her innocence, claiming that the death cap mushrooms were added accidentally and that she never intended harm. She will serve three consecutive life sentences for the murders and an additional 25 years for the attempted murder of Mr. Wilkinson.
During sentencing, Justice Christopher Beale enforced the maximum penalty, indicating that Patterson's actions showed no remorse, adding that her notorious status would pose risks to her safety in prison.
In a historic ruling, this sentencing was the first to allow cameras in the courtroom for live broadcast of the proceedings, reflecting the significant public interest in the case.
Ian Wilkinson expressed gratitude towards law enforcement and medical staff involved in the aftermath of the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of kindness amidst the trauma.
