Prosecutors in Australia have filed an appeal against the sentence of mushroom murderer Erin Patterson, arguing it is manifestly inadequate. Patterson, 51, was sentenced to life in prison with no chance for parole for at least 33 years for the murder of three relatives and the attempted murder of another with a toxic mushroom meal.
The Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announced the appeal on Monday, stating that the severity of Patterson's actions warranted a harsher sentence than what was handed down. Patterson's current term, one of the longest ever assigned to a female offender in Australia, would mean she is in her 80s before being eligible for parole.
Last week, Patterson's barrister indicated an intention to appeal her conviction, although this has not been formally lodged yet. The legal team's next steps face hurdles as they must convince the Victorian appeal court that there were significant legal errors in the trial process.
Public interest in Patterson's case has been extraordinary, drawing journalists, podcasters, and onlookers to the trial in the small town of Morwell. Patterson was convicted after serving infected beef Wellington to her in-laws, resulting in fatal consequences for her relatives and serious health issues for one survivor.
During sentencing, Justice Christopher Beale acknowledged that Patterson's crimes were particularly egregious but cited the harsh conditions of her imprisonment as a factor in the decision to allow for parole eligibility. Patterson's ongoing time in solitary confinement, extreme media scrutiny, and risk from other inmates were other considerations noted by the judge.
With intense media coverage and a multitude of viewing platforms, the case continues to raise questions about justice, public safety, and the legal system's handling of such a high-profile criminal case.
