Erin Patterson arriving in the back of a prison transport vehicle at Latrobe Valley Magistrate's Court in Morwell, Australia. Photo: AFP / MARTIN KEEP
A pre-sentence plea hearing for convicted triple-murderer Erin Patterson has began at Australia's Supreme Court.
It will be the first time Patterson has been seen publicly since a jury found her guilty of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder another by serving a beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms.
Victims and their loved ones are expected to provide statements on how the deaths of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson affected them.
Their statements will be taken into account by the judge before sentencing Patterson.
Ian Wilkinson (left) was the only guest to survive the lunch. His wife Heather Wilkinson, and Don and Gail Patterson all died from suspected mushroom poisoning. Photo: ABC / Supplied
'I am no longer Erin Patterson's victim'
Sole survivor Ian Wilkinson was first to deliver his victim impact statement.
He told Justice Beale he will begin by talking about his late wife, Heather Wilkinson.
His voice was wracked with emotion as he described his wife's intelligence, wit and compassion.
Wilkinson said his wife was "simply, a delightful person".
He said a shortcoming of society was the attention "showered on those who do evil", and the lack of attention on those who do good.
"It's a truly horrible thought to live with, that somebody could decide to take her life.
"I only feel half-alive without her," Wilkinson said, before breaking down emotionally.
He described the couple, Don and Gail Patterson, as the closest people to him besides Heather Wilkinson.
"I would like to acknowledge their good character," he said, describing the families growing up together.
"My life is greatly impoverished without them."
Ian Wilkinson said he very nearly died following Patterson's actions.
"It has taken me the best part of two years for my health and strength to recover," he said.
He said despite the recovery, his health has never recovered to the point it was before "the fateful lunch". He said many aspects of his health, such as kidney and respiratory health, have not recovered.
Turning his attention to Erin Patterson, Ian Wilkinson slammed her "callous and calculated disregard for my life and the life of those I love".
"What foolishness possess a person to think that murder is the solution?" he asks.
He told the court he offers Patterson forgiveness for the harm she caused him, but he has no right to forgive her for the other deaths she caused.
"I bear her no ill will, my prayer for her is that she will use her time in jail wisely to become a better person," he said.
"I am no longer Erin Patterson's victim, and she has become the victim of my kindness."
Erin Patterson is visibly upset following Ian Wilkinson's speech, screwing up a tissue in her hands and holding back her tears.
Ian and Luke Wilkinson at the Supreme Court. Photo: ABC News
Heather and Ian Wilkinson's daughter Ruth Dubois said four generations of a family have been traumatised by the events of the July 2023 lunch at Erin Patterson's home.
She described her mother Heather Wilkinson as one of her closest friends, and an example of a mother that she aspires to be like.
"Life feels less bright without her [Heather]," Ruth said.
She said her father has remained a pillar of strength during the ordeal he underwent.
Dubois said Erin Patterson used the kindness that came naturally to her parents against them, using it to lure them to the deadly lunch.
"The world seems colder and harsher knowing this," she said.
"For the offender to sit and watch over casual conversation, while these people who showed nothing but love and care for her, ate a meal that would kill."
Lynette, sister of Heather Wilkinson and Gail Patterson, and Colin Patterson, younger brother of Don Patterson and Tim Patterson, nephew of Don and Gail, were next to provide victim impact statements to the court.
Tim Patterson said after learning of the deaths, the "world felt different" without Don and Gail in it.
"Like everyone else, I still ask myself why?" he says.
"Why did [Erin Patterson] choose to focus her expertly hidden wrath on the most selfless people I know?"
Tim said he still can't comprehend that Don and Gail Patterson are truly gone.
"In my mind, it's just that we haven't seen each other in a while. They're still there in Korumburra," he said.
Simon Patterson at court during the trial. Photo: ABC News
'I miss my parents and aunt', Erin Patterson's estranged husband says
Estranged husband Simon Patterson's victim impact statement was next read to the court.
Erin Patterson is listening intently to the statements as they are read.
"I miss my parents and aunt more than words can express and I think of them often," he said.
He said he will continue to be acutely aware his parents would still be alive if Erin Patterson had not murdered them.
He said his children have been robbed of something integral by the murders.
"They have also been robbed of hope for the kind of relationship with their mother that every child naturally [has]."
He said both his children are "incredibly strong" and remain loved by the family.
He urged the wider public to let them be in the hopes they would overcome the trauma.
Simon Patterson said the media attention has been "remarkably dehumanising".
He said the actions of some legacy media outlets has been "deplorable", with his family having to dodge ambushes from strangers and reporters.
He said the family has now become fearful of strangers, and describes instances of being recorded in secret when out in public with his children.
He said this combined with the legal process has interfered with his ability to grieve the loss of his parents.
Simon Patterson said he will attempt to follow his parents' lead by continuing to live in a Christian way and following God.
There are more victim impact statements, totalling 28, including the ones heard in court, but the remainder will not be read to the court.
- ABC/RNZ
