Prosecutor urges Australian appeals court to keep mushroom killer jailed for life

Prosecutors in Australia have argued that Erin Patterson, convicted of murdering three relatives with death cap mushrooms, should never be released from prison. The appeal against her sentence was heard on Thursday before the Victoria state Court of Appeal.

Prosecutor Brendan Kissane told the three judges that the current non-parole period of 33 years attached to Patterson's life sentence was "manifestly inadequate." He argued that the nature of the crimes demands she never be considered for parole, though he conceded it was a "harsh submission." If the court does not agree, he requested a longer minimum term.

Patterson, 51, was convicted of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder for a lunch she prepared in July 2023. Her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was invited but did not attend. His parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, died. Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived after weeks in hospital.

Her appeal against the convictions was also heard, with her lawyers arguing her cross-examination during the trial was "unfair and oppressive." Prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams rejected this, describing the questioning as thorough and fair.

Under her current sentence, Patterson would be around 82 before being eligible for parole. She is held in the high-security Gordon Unit of a Melbourne prison due to her notoriety. The court has reserved its decision on both appeals.