May 7th 2024.
Erin Patterson, who has been accused of a triple murder, appeared in court today to plead not guilty to her charges. The 49-year-old joined the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court via video link from prison. She had her hair tied up, wore a blue jumper, and had her glasses on. The charges against her include the alleged killing of her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66. This incident took place at Patterson's home in Leongatha, South Gippsland, on July 29, 2023, where the victims consumed a deadly mushroom meal. Additionally, Patterson has been accused of attempting to murder her ex-husband, Simon, during the same lunch, and on three separate occasions dating back to 2021. She has also been charged with the attempted murder of Wilkinson's husband, Ian, who spent almost two months in the hospital, including a coma.
The court was informed that Patterson allegedly tried to murder her ex-husband on September 6, 2022, at Wilsons Promontory. She is also accused of trying to kill him at Howqua, southwest of Mount Buller, between May 25 and 27, 2022, and at Korumburra between November 16 and 17, 2021. Patterson strongly denied all eight charges, including three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder. When Magistrate Tim Walsh read out the charges, she replied with a firm "not guilty, Your Honour". She chose not to go through a committal process and instead opted for a fast-tracked trial at the Supreme Court of Victoria. The court remanded her in custody, and her case has been listed for a directions hearing on May 23.
Back in April, Patterson's barrister Colin Mandy SC had stated that his client preferred to have her committal at Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court and would be willing to wait in custody if necessary, even if it meant until the next year. Mandy had also mentioned that Patterson wished for the committal to take place close to her home. Today, Magistrate Walsh clarified that the delay in the committal process was due to Mandy's availability and not because the court was unable to handle such a significant case until 2025. He further explained that the magnitude of this case required a senior counsel, and it couldn't be passed on to another barrister at short notice, considering the extensive brief involved.
Overall, the court proceedings for Erin Patterson's trial will be expedited, and she will soon face trial at the Supreme Court of Victoria. Despite her not guilty pleas, the accusations against her are grave, and the court will proceed with caution. She has been remanded in custody, and her case will be closely monitored.
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