Erin Patterson appeals her murder conviction for serving poisonous mushrooms that killed three people at a family lunch in Victoria
SYDNEY: Convicted Australian murderer Erin Patterson has formally lodged an appeal to overturn her guilty verdicts for killing three people with toxic mushrooms.
Patterson received a life prison sentence with parole eligibility this year for serving a poisonous beef Wellington to her estranged husband’s relatives.
Australian media including ABC and the Sydney Morning Herald reported her appeal bid was accepted by the Court of Appeal on Monday night.
Her legal team has not publicly disclosed the specific grounds for challenging the conviction.
The 51-year-old was sentenced in September and must serve 33 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Patterson’s defence lawyers previously argued for 30-year parole eligibility due to case notoriety forcing her into prolonged isolation.
Prosecutors have separately appealed the sentence as manifestly inadequate for the crimes committed.
Patterson maintained throughout her two-month trial that the death cap mushroom poisoning was entirely accidental.
A jury found her guilty in July of murdering her husband’s parents Don and Gail Patterson along with his aunt Heather Wilkinson.
She was also convicted of attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband, during the 2023 Leongatha lunch.
Simon Patterson had been invited to the fatal meal but cancelled last minute citing discomfort about attending.
The estranged couple’s relationship had deteriorated amid disputes over child support payments despite remaining legally married.
Victim impact statements in August revealed the devastating consequences for surviving family members.
Ian Wilkinson described feeling only half alive without his wife following the tragedy.
He said the silence in their home serves as a constant reminder of his profound loss.
Death cap mushrooms are easily mistaken for edible varieties despite their deadly toxicity. – AFP
