Australia - 3 dead after eating wild mushrooms, Leongatha, Victoria, Aug 2023 #8 *Arrest*

[drsleuth]

Posts from The Guardian

Erin Patterson described estranged husband as ‘coercive’ and in-laws as ‘demanding’, trial hears – as it happened

This blog is now closed

www.theguardian.com

3h ago10.59 AEST
What the jury heard on Friday – a recap

Patterson is accused of murdering her her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, by serving them individual beef wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Here’s a recap of what the jury heard on Friday – day four of the trial:

1. The court was shown text messages where Simon and Erin communicated about her “forgotten” invitation to her mother-in-law’s 70th birthday. Simon said at this point in time there was “tension” in Erin’s relationship with his parents and between the pair.
2. Simon told the court Erin had “struggled” with mental illness and postnatal depression after the birth of their first child.
3. Simon said his estranged wife “hates” hospitals as he was asked about her discharging herself from Leongatha hospital against medical advice following the lunch.

3h ago11.02 AEST

Jury enters court for day five​

The jury has entered the courtroom for day five of the trial.

Erin Patterson’s lawyer, Colin Mandy SC, is continuing his cross-examination of Simon Patterson, Erin’s estranged husband.

3h ago11.25 AEST
Simon says ‘unlikely’ Erin asked about his parents days after lunch

Mandy takes Simon to 31 July 2023 – two days after the lethal lunch.

He says that while at Monash medical centre to be tested after the lunch, Erin asked him “how are they going?” in relation to his parents, Don and Gail.

“What I’m suggesting to you, Mr Patterson, is that she asked that question,” Mandy says.

Simon says he does not recall her asking that. When pressed, he says it’s “possible but unlikely” she enquired about his parents.

“It’s a feeling I remember as that’s odd,” he says.

2h ago11.52 AEST
Group text messages shown in court

Mandy asks Simon about his characterisation of Erin as “aggressive” in her messages during a financial dispute about their children in December 2022. The messages were made in a group chat with Erin, Simon and his parents, Don and Gail, the court heard.

Mandy reminds Simon the defence rejects this characterisation of Erin’s message and then shows the courtroom text messages between 4 December and 17 December 2022.

In a group chat on the messaging platform Signal, Gail Patterson writes on 4 December:

Hi Erin, it would be lovely if we could catch up with you, [our son] and [our daughter] before you go to NZ please. Would you be free next Saturday or Sunday lunch or tea? Love Don and Gail.

Erin replies on 4 December:

I’m sorry, but I can’t stop thinking about the comment that Don made on the phone, that the financial issues are probably easily solved and that Simon can “reverse the single thing in his tax return.” That is mind boggling in its implication, if that’s really what he said he would do.


“Revering the single thing” is basically telling the government that Simon and I are not separated any more, and that we are still married and living together as a couple and shared finances, so that they consider our income as a whole.


The immediate implication of that would be that I can no longer get family tax benefit ... Now I have no income from a job because I quit to care for the kids … and if he “reverses the single thing” then I’ll not be able to claim family tax benefit and I’ll not be entitled to any child support …


Simon is hiding behind the communication from the government that now that I have made a child support claim, he doesn’t have to pay any bills outside it.


That is an instruction for people who want to be a bare minimum parent …

On the same day, Don replies:

Sorry I may have misled you Erin. I regret possibly making a false presentation of Simon’s opinions. That is why I immediately withdrew it …

Erin on the 6 December writes in the group chat:

Thanks Don. I understand your position and that you and Gail don’t want to be involved in certain aspects of these difficulties as it is uncomfortable and awkward …..

She says Simon is “under the misapprehension” that a child support assessment covers “every expense for the children under the sun.”

Under cross-examination, Simon says he remembers the messages. But he says “this is not what I had in mind” when he describes Erin as “aggressive” in messages.

2h ago12.06 AEST

Simon Patterson denies asking Erin 'is that what you used to poison them?'​

Mandy asks Simon about his previous evidence that, while at Monash medical centre, Erin told him she did a blind taste test with their daughter with muffins cooked using dehydrated mushrooms.

He says after this conversation, Erin and Simon were alone in the room together, as their kids would sometimes leave the hospital room to go to the vending machine.

Mandy says Simon asked Erin “is that what you used to poison them?” in relation to the dehydrator. The conversation took place two days after the lethal lunch, the court hears.

Simon rejects this.

“I did not say that to Erin,” he says.

Mandy does not say who “them” refers to.

2h ago12.10 AEST
Mandy concludes cross-examination of Simon Patterson

Mandy tells Simon that the messages he has shown Simon today are the “only messages” about the payment of school fees.

Simon has characterised Erin as “inflammatory” and “aggressive” during a dispute over the children’s school fees, jurors are told.

Simon says the message he is thinking of has not been shown today.

Mandy concludes his cross-examination.

2h ago12.20 AEST
Simon Patterson answers questions about ‘inflammatory’ messages from Erin

Nanette Rogers SC is now re-examining Simon.

Simon says his mother agreed to not read the messages sent from Erin to reduce the anxiety she had about being diagnosed with encephalitis.

He says the “inflammatory” message was a few months after the previous messages shown to the court from December 2022.

He recalls at the time his son was very tired while staying with him. He subsequently asked Erin to help his son get to bed earlier. He says Erin sent a reply to the group chat on Signal with his parents.

“I tell you what, if mum had of read that, I don’t know what that would have done to her,” he says.

Asked by Rogers what was “inflammatory” about the messages, Simon says:

“It was having a crack at me and accusing me of some things in response to what I’d messaged her about. That’s not the bit I objected to. It was the fact she’d sent it, especially to my … knowing mum’s condition and what that can do to mum … I’m still upset about that.”

2h ago12.33 AEST
Simon’s evidence has concluded and the jurors have been given an early lunch break.

The trial will continue at 2.15pm.

 

[drsleuth]

From 7 news

‘True crime’ associate says Patterson was a ‘super sleuth’

The mother is accused of killing three people with poisonous death cap mushrooms.

7news.com.au

By Tita Smith

3 hours ago

‘That’s odd’: Simon says Patterson did not ask about the health of his parents​

Simon Patterson previously told the court that he did not recall his estranged wife asking about the welfare of his parents after the lunch.

Under cross examination

The court heard Simon was taking phone calls from relatives in the hospital while visiting Patterson and their children, which Mandy suggested were in earshot of Patterson, which may have prompted her to ask about his parents’ health.


– saying he distinctly recalled having an “odd” feeling because she had not asked.

Mandy: “I put to you that she asked how they are going.”

Simon: “No, I can’t recall her asking that.”

Mandy: “I put it to you that she may have said something.”

Simon: “I say no, because it stood out to me. It is a feeling I remember – (I thought) ‘that’s odd’.”

‘I foolishly trusted him’: Patterson’s child support texts to former parents-in-law​

The court has been shown messages Patterson sent her former parents-in-law on Signal in late 2022.

The court previously heard Patterson sent “inflammatory” messages to her in-laws as she clashed with Simon over child support payments.

Last week, it was revealed in court that Simon was paying about $40 a month in child support and had stopped contributing towards medical bills and school fees.

4 December, 2022

Don & Gail:

“Hi Erin, it would be lovely if we could catch up with you, (and our grandchildren), before you go to NZ please.

Would you be free next Saturday or Sunday lunch or tea? Love Don and Gail

5 December, 2022

Erin:

“I’m sorry but I can’t stop thinking about the comment that Don made on the phone that the financial issues are probably easily solved and that Simon can ‘reverse the single thing in his tax return’.

“That is mind boggling in its implication if that’s really what he said he would do. ‘Reversing the single thing’ is basically telling the government that Simon and I are not separated anymore and that we are still married and living together as a couple and have shared finances so that they consider our income. It is essentially lying to the government.

“I would have been entitled to about $30K a year child support from Simon during the three years he was at LandsGipps, but I didn’t claim it because I foolishly trusted him to do the right thing by me and the kids when it came to the crunch but I was wrong to do so it seems.

“Now I have no income from a job because I quit it to care for the kids and if he ‘reverses the single thing’, then I’ll not be able to claim family tax benefit...”

Don:

Sorry I may have misread you Erin. I regret possibly making a false representation of Simon’s opinion. That is why I immediately withdrew it. I think it is best to try and move on.

Erin:

Thanks Don. I understand your position and that you and Gail don’t want to be involved in certain aspects of these difficulties as it is uncomfortable and awkward. That’s unfortunate but it’s just a fact in situations like this....

“Simon seems to be under the misapprehension that a child support assessment covers every expense for the children under the sun. That’s just not the case, it covers basic care and basic schooling, including a public school education...”

Don:

“Hi Erin, I hope you are feeling better today. I have read your message of last night again. As we said yesterday, we are unable to adjudicate on these matters. Apart from signalling his disagreement with what you said in your message, we have still not heard any detail of ‘his side’ and don’t need to because we cannot contribute anything useful along those lines.

“Where we might be able to contribute is encouraging you both to communicate...”

‘I’m always your husband no matter how we’re doing’: Simon’s texts to Patterson​

The court has been shown messages between Simon Patterson and his estranged wife in December 2022.

The court previously heard from Simon that the pair’s relationship began to deteriorate around mid-late 2022 when he changed his relationship status on a tax return to ‘separated’, which would impact Patterson’s family tax benefit.

The pair agreed that he would not amend his statement but that he would begin to pay child support.

Under cross-examination, Simon was shown messages between the pair in December 2022.

In the exchange, Patterson messaged Simon asking for his help repairing a fence which had been damaged by a tree, allowing one of her animals to roam into a neighbour’s property.

Erin:

“Hey, I understand we don’t really have the kind of relationship right now where I can ask for favours, but I don’t have anywhere to turn,” her text began.

“David’s wife rang me and told me there is a tree down across the fence near where the gate joins my back paddock and there’s a goat has been using it to get into their yard..”

Simon responded:

“Hey there. I’m always your husband no matter how we’re doing, so no probs with helping but I am in Brisbane. Can it wait until I’m back?”

Erin replied:

“That’s very kind. I hope you enjoy your time in Brisbane. I will let you know tomorrow if I still need help.

“Much appreciated.”

Defence barrister Colin Mandy SC put it to Simon that by the time of the message exchange in late December, their issues had abated.

However, Simon rejected that was the case.

‘I did not say that’: Simon rejects defence’s suggestion about food dehydrator​

The court previously heard Simon spent time in hospital with Patterson and their children in the days after the lunch, where she and the children were being monitored by medics.

During their stay, Simon previously told the court Patterson said she had been dehydrating mushrooms and hiding them in their daughter’s foods as a “taste-test”.

He previously said it was news to him that she owned a food dehydrator as she had never used one while they were together.

Defence barrister Colin Mandy put it to Simon that he said to Patterson in the hospital, during those discussion about the food dehydrator: “Is that what you used to poison them?” (in reference to his sick parents).

However, Simon strongly rejected the suggestion.

“I did not say that to Erin,” he said.

Contents of ‘inflammatory’ message revealed​

Simon has revealed the nature of the content Patterson sent to a family group chat, which he previously described as “inflammatory”.

Under re-examination, senior crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC asked Simon to detail the “essence” of Patterson’s “inflammatory” text.

Simon said the message – which related to a clash over child support – was sent at a time when his mother, Gail, was ill with encephalitis and he was worried about her health.

“It was a message to me – it was very emotive,” he told the court.

“It was having a crack at me and accusing me of things in response to what I had messaged her about. That was not what I objected to – it was the fact she had sent it to mum knowing mum’s condition and knowing what it could do to mum.

“I am still upset about that.”

‘I didn’t understand her purpose’: Simon ‘puzzled’ by Patterson’s house title gesture​

The court previously heard Patterson put Simon on titles she bought after their late-2015 separation.

Patterson previously told the court he was “puzzled” by her actions but thought it was an act of “good will” as they were still in discussions about the possibility of reconciling.

Under re-examination, Rogers asked Simon to explain why Patterson’s decision “puzzled” him.

“ I didn’t understand her purpose,” he said.

“We had been separated for quite some time.

“We had had discussions about reconciling as a family at different times over those years but I guess I didn’t understand the purpose of her wanting me to be on the title. “

Simon probed on why he didn’t ask Patterson about ‘cancer diagnosis’​

The court previously heard that Patterson allegedly held the lunch under the pretense she was seeking guidance from her guests on how to tell her two children she had been diagnosed with cancer.

The prosecution will allege Patterson had not been diagnosed with cancer and used that as an excuse as to why the children should not attend the lunch.

Simon previously told the court he heard about what had been discussed at the lunch from his father, Don, after he was admitted to hospital with mushroom poisoning.

Under re-examination, prosecutor Nanette Rogers asked Simon why he had not asked Patterson directly about what was discussed at the lunch.

“I thought that was her news to tell and her timing to tell it in – I was content with that,” he said.

‘Hates hospitals’: The two previous times Patterson prematurely discharged herself​

The court previously heard the prosecution will allege Patterson was reluctant to receive medical treatment after the lunch and left the hospital despite staff’s advice to stay.

Under cross-examination, Simon conceded that Patterson had a history of leaving hospitals early.

Prosecutor Nanette Rogers asked Simon, under re-examination, to detail the previous occassions when Patterson had prematurely left. hospital.

Simon told the court there were “two times” he could remember.

He said during the first time, which occurred before they were married, Patterson was diagnosed with low potassium and put on a drip overnight.

Simon said they were happy to discharge her, but, because the hospital was busy, they left before the official paperwork was filed.

He said the second time occurred while she was recovering from a caesarean shortly after the birth of their son in January 2009.

“She really struggles to sleep in hospitals. She was exhausted. She had been there recovering for a few days after and they still wanted to keep her in,” he said.

Simon said the couple spoke to doctors, and although they wanted to keep her there, he and Patterson went home.

Simon’s evidence ends​

Simon Patterson has been excused from the witness stand after giving evidence in his estranged wife’s murder trial.

‘I did not say that’: Simon rejects defence’s suggestion about food dehydrator​

The court previously heard Simon spent time in hospital with Patterson and their children in the days after the lunch, where she and the children were being monitored by medics.

During their stay, Simon previously told the court Patterson said she had been dehydrating mushrooms and hiding them in their daughter’s foods as a “taste-test”.

He previously said it was news to him that she owned a food dehydrator as she had never used one while they were together.

Defence barrister Colin Mandy put it to Simon that he said to Patterson in the hospital, during those discussion about the food dehydrator: “Is that what you used to poison them?” (in reference to his sick parents).

However, Simon strongly rejected the suggestion.

“I did not say that to Erin,” he said.

Second witness who knew Patterson from ‘true crime’ chat group takes the stand​

Christine Hunt, who was in a true crime Facebook group with Patterson, has taken the stand as the prosecution’s second witness in the trial.

‘True crime’ associate says Patterson was a ‘super sleuth’​

Christine Hunt has told the court she met Patterson around six years ago when the pair were both in a Facebook group chat dedicated to discussion on the Keli Lane case.

Hunt said the group initially contained up to 30 people, with members having discussions together on the page or sometimes messaging each other directly.

Hunt told the court discussion in the group were broad - including things “ happening in the world - crime, politics, and personal stories”.

“Patterson shared lots about the kids, lego, buying the house at Leongatha. Information about herself, her husband, the challenges she was facing, the difficulties she had as a single mum,” she said.

Asked by the prosecution what Patterson’s reputation was in the group, Hunt said the mother-of-two was “well-regarded”.

 

[drsleuth]

Erin Patterson described estranged husband as ‘coercive’ and in-laws as ‘demanding’, trial hears – as it happened

This blog is now closed

www.theguardian.com

7m ago14.19 AEST
Erin Patterson trial resumes after the lunch break

The second witness of the trial is Christine Hunt, the court hears. She is appearing via video link.

Prosecutor Sarah Lenthall will be examining Hunt.


2m ago14.24 AEST
Hunt says she first met Erin Patterson about six years ago as part of a Facebook “true crime” group focused on Keli Lane.

She says it was focussed on the Keli Lane trial and the first group included about 2,000 people:

“Being large as it was, there was a lot of disagreement and disharmony.”

The Facebook group was then reduced to about 20-30 people, the court hears.


1m ago14.27 AEST

Erin Patterson described as a 'super sleuth' by second witness​

Hunt says Erin Patterson’s Facebook name was originally “Erin Patterson” then changed to “Erin Erin” and then “Erin Erin Erin.”

Hunt recollects the second group, with up to 30 members. She says the members got to know each other, shared information about their personal lives and supported each other.

She says Erin posted about her kids, Lego and buying her home in Leongatha.

“Just the challenges she was facing, the difficulties she had as a single mum.”

She says Erin was “highly regarded” in the Facebook group and known as a good researcher, describing her as a “super sleuth”.

The group was shut down at the end of the 2019, the court hears.

 

[drsleuth]

2.33pm

Erin renowned as a ‘super sleuth’ among true crime group​

​

Evidence has resumed after lunch and the new witness, Christine Hunt, has told the jury she met Erin Patterson about six years ago through a true crime Facebook group dedicated to information about the trial of convicted murderer Keli Lane.

The group initially had about 2000 members, but it eventually reduced to about 20 or 30 people.

Hunt told the jury about how Erin changed her Facebook name three times, from Erin Patterson to “Erin Erin” and later “Erin Erin Erin”.

“It was mostly around current affairs. What was happening in the world? A lot of discussion around royalty, politics, crime and a lot of personal stories. So we got to know each other. It was a small enough group where we really get kind of leaning into each other’s lives and we’re a support for each other,” Hunt said of the group.

Hunt said Erin would often share information about her children, her husband and her life struggles about being a single mother. The witness described Erin as a “super sleuth”.

“She was well regarded. She was a really good researcher. So she in the group, in the earlier times when we would … be focused on true crime, she was well known to be able to research and get information quickly from the internet. So she was a bit of a super sleuth,” Hunt said.

Eventually the group was dissolved, the court heard, and a group of between seven and 15 members began.

Erin Patterson told online friends she was ‘hiding powdered mushrooms in everything’, court hears: Trial day five, as it happened

Erin Patterson’s estranged husband Simon will continue providing evidence in her murder trial. Follow our live blog.

www.theage.com.au

 

[Marg944]

Coincidentally I came across these in the shops today…. I wasn’t even slightly tempted…. the Hand Picked bit worried me, but the “Blessed” bit made me wonder….

 

[angelainwi]

Coincidentally I came across these in the shops today…. I wasn’t even slightly tempted…. the Hand Picked bit worried me, but the “Blessed” bit made me wonder….


View attachment 583743

Let's hope Erin didn't pick 'em

 

[drsleuth]

'How sad she felt': Erin Patterson confided in online friends, court hears — as it happened

Erin Patterson's Facebook friends took to the witness box in her murder trial over a lunch served to her in-laws containing death cap mushrooms. Look back at how the hearing unfolded in our live blog.

www.abc.net.au

10m ago

Q+A with the Mushroom Case Daily podcast team​

​

By Kristian Silva and Stephen Stockwell​

The ABC’s Mushroom Case Daily podcast team are on the ground in Morwell, bringing you episodes every day of the trial.

We’ve had loads of questions from listeners and we’re answering a few here on the live blog today.

If you have a question, you can send it to: [email protected]

Q: Are the jury able to take notes as they listen to the evidence? - Georgia

A: Yes, the jury are allowed to jot things down. They even have iPads where they can take notes. But the judge has told the jury it’s also fine not to take notes because he wants to ensure they can pay close attention to everything that happens in court.

The jury will also receive a transcript, so note-taking shouldn't come at the expense of making sure they hear every little bit of evidence.

Q: Erin Patterson was having lunch with her in-laws and their family to announce her cancer diagnosis, so why Erin didn't invite her own parents or turn to them for advice? - Jill

A: Erin Patterson's mother and grandmother are both deceased, which we know because it was brought up during the trial. We don't recall hearing about Erin's dad. Perhaps that will come up later in the trial.

Q: I know you've scored a coveted spot in the courtroom ballot but what was the original plan if you didn't get in? - Matt

A: There is an overflow room set up next to the courtroom because there are so many journalists who've come down and they can't fit everybody in. So if we didn’t get in, we would've watched a livestream from the overflow room.

Having said that, there has been some space in the courtroom over the last few days. We were expecting it to be very busy but there's been moments where there's been a seat or two free, so even if you didn’t get a spot via the ballot, you can pop in there. If a member of the public comes in, you leave to make room for them. But it hasn't been as crowded as we thought it would be.

A: Yes, the jury are allowed to jot things down. They even have iPads where they can take notes. But the judge has told the jury it’s also fine not to take notes because he wants to ensure they can pay close attention to everything that happens in court.

The jury will also receive a transcript, so note-taking shouldn't come at the expense of making sure they hear every little bit of evidence.

Q: Erin Patterson was having lunch with her in-laws and their family to announce her cancer diagnosis, so why Erin didn't invite her own parents or turn to them for advice? - Jill

A: Erin Patterson's mother and grandmother are both deceased, which we know because it was brought up during the trial. We don't recall hearing about Erin's dad. Perhaps that will come up later in the trial.

Q: I know you've scored a coveted spot in the courtroom ballot but what was the original plan if you didn't get in? - Matt

A: There is an overflow room set up next to the courtroom because there are so many journalists who've come down and they can't fit everybody in. So if we didn’t get in, we would've watched a livestream from the overflow room.

Having said that, there has been some space in the courtroom over the last few days. We were expecting it to be very busy but there's been moments where there's been a seat or two free, so even if you didn’t get a spot via the ballot, you can pop in there. If a member of the public comes in, you leave to make room for them. But it hasn't been as crowded as we thought it would be.

Key Event
7m ago

We're back from the break​

​

By Judd Boaz​

We've returned from lunch, and have a new witness on the stand.

Prosecutor Sarah Lenthall is speaking with Christine Hunt, an online friend of Erin Patterson.

They initially met through a Keli Lane true crime Facebook group, which turned into a smaller group of between seven and 15 different people.

She says she never met Erin in person, but had a handful of phone calls with Erin.


7m ago

Keli Lane Facebook group explained​

​

By Judd Boaz​

In her opening argument, prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC made particular mention of a true crime Facebook group that Erin Patterson had joined and made friends through.

The group centred around Keli Lane, a woman convicted of killing her baby daughter in one of Australia's most notorious criminal cases.

The court heard that Ms Patterson participated in the group using Facebook profiles named Erin Patterson, Erin Erin and Erin Erin Erin.

"Over time, some of the participants of the group formed closer connections and began separate Facebook groups with one another, with discussions extending to news, current affairs and their personal lives," Dr Rogers said.

Key Event
6m ago

Facebook friend says Erin described 'coercive' relationship with Simon​

​

By Judd Boaz​

Ms Hunt is asked to characterise the relationship between Erin and Simon Patterson.

She says Erin had painted a negative picture of their relationship.

"There were challenges, she didn't like it … she seemed unsettled whenever the kids were away," Ms Hunt says .

"The terms of' coercive' and 'abuse' … was the sort of sense we were given.

"She never seemed happy with his follow-up and his commitment with what was happening."


6m ago

More from Ms Hunt​

​

By Judd Boaz​

Ms Hunt tells the court that Erin Patterson gave the impression of a loving and devoted mother.

She says words such as "controlling" and "coercive" were words that were words used by Erin to describe Simon.

Ms Hunt says the term "abusive" may have been her own term to describe what she knew of the relationship.

"That may be my term from the fact that coercion is an abuse, sir," she says.


Key Event
4m ago

Erin told internet friends she was atheist, court hears​

​

By Judd Boaz​

Erin Patterson's Christian beliefs have been raised by the defence.

We've heard during the trial Erin was a frequent visitor to the Korumburra Baptist Church where Ian Wilkinson served as pastor.

She also helped livestream church services, along with her father-in-law Don, the court has heard.

However, Erin's online friend Christine Hunt says Ms Patterson had told the group that she was an atheist.

"I think she was two-sided on that ... she went to church because of the family situation," she tells the court.

"She was saying to us publicly that she didn’t necessarily believe in God."

 

[brisbanemum]

Posts from The Guardian

Erin Patterson described estranged husband as ‘coercive’ and in-laws as ‘demanding’, trial hears – as it happened

This blog is now closed

www.theguardian.com

3h ago10.59 AEST
What the jury heard on Friday – a recap

Patterson is accused of murdering her her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, by serving them individual beef wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Here’s a recap of what the jury heard on Friday – day four of the trial:

1. The court was shown text messages where Simon and Erin communicated about her “forgotten” invitation to her mother-in-law’s 70th birthday. Simon said at this point in time there was “tension” in Erin’s relationship with his parents and between the pair.
2. Simon told the court Erin had “struggled” with mental illness and postnatal depression after the birth of their first child.
3. Simon said his estranged wife “hates” hospitals as he was asked about her discharging herself from Leongatha hospital against medical advice following the lunch.

3h ago11.02 AEST

Jury enters court for day five​

The jury has entered the courtroom for day five of the trial.

Erin Patterson’s lawyer, Colin Mandy SC, is continuing his cross-examination of Simon Patterson, Erin’s estranged husband.

3h ago11.25 AEST
Simon says ‘unlikely’ Erin asked about his parents days after lunch

Mandy takes Simon to 31 July 2023 – two days after the lethal lunch.

He says that while at Monash medical centre to be tested after the lunch, Erin asked him “how are they going?” in relation to his parents, Don and Gail.

“What I’m suggesting to you, Mr Patterson, is that she asked that question,” Mandy says.

Simon says he does not recall her asking that. When pressed, he says it’s “possible but unlikely” she enquired about his parents.

“It’s a feeling I remember as that’s odd,” he says.

2h ago11.52 AEST
Group text messages shown in court

Mandy asks Simon about his characterisation of Erin as “aggressive” in her messages during a financial dispute about their children in December 2022. The messages were made in a group chat with Erin, Simon and his parents, Don and Gail, the court heard.

Mandy reminds Simon the defence rejects this characterisation of Erin’s message and then shows the courtroom text messages between 4 December and 17 December 2022.

In a group chat on the messaging platform Signal, Gail Patterson writes on 4 December:



Erin replies on 4 December:



On the same day, Don replies:



Erin on the 6 December writes in the group chat:



She says Simon is “under the misapprehension” that a child support assessment covers “every expense for the children under the sun.”

Under cross-examination, Simon says he remembers the messages. But he says “this is not what I had in mind” when he describes Erin as “aggressive” in messages.

2h ago12.06 AEST

Simon Patterson denies asking Erin 'is that what you used to poison them?'​

Mandy asks Simon about his previous evidence that, while at Monash medical centre, Erin told him she did a blind taste test with their daughter with muffins cooked using dehydrated mushrooms.

He says after this conversation, Erin and Simon were alone in the room together, as their kids would sometimes leave the hospital room to go to the vending machine.

Mandy says Simon asked Erin “is that what you used to poison them?” in relation to the dehydrator. The conversation took place two days after the lethal lunch, the court hears.

Simon rejects this.

“I did not say that to Erin,” he says.

Mandy does not say who “them” refers to.

2h ago12.10 AEST
Mandy concludes cross-examination of Simon Patterson

Mandy tells Simon that the messages he has shown Simon today are the “only messages” about the payment of school fees.

Simon has characterised Erin as “inflammatory” and “aggressive” during a dispute over the children’s school fees, jurors are told.

Simon says the message he is thinking of has not been shown today.

Mandy concludes his cross-examination.

2h ago12.20 AEST
Simon Patterson answers questions about ‘inflammatory’ messages from Erin

Nanette Rogers SC is now re-examining Simon.

Simon says his mother agreed to not read the messages sent from Erin to reduce the anxiety she had about being diagnosed with encephalitis.

He says the “inflammatory” message was a few months after the previous messages shown to the court from December 2022.

He recalls at the time his son was very tired while staying with him. He subsequently asked Erin to help his son get to bed earlier. He says Erin sent a reply to the group chat on Signal with his parents.

“I tell you what, if mum had of read that, I don’t know what that would have done to her,” he says.

Asked by Rogers what was “inflammatory” about the messages, Simon says:

“It was having a crack at me and accusing me of some things in response to what I’d messaged her about. That’s not the bit I objected to. It was the fact she’d sent it, especially to my … knowing mum’s condition and what that can do to mum … I’m still upset about that.”

2h ago12.33 AEST
Simon’s evidence has concluded and the jurors have been given an early lunch break.

The trial will continue at 2.15pm.

Oh dear.. well there is a motive right there. She was worried about losing her family tax benefit. If they are separated (as he claimed on his tax return) she wouldn’t be entitled. There is also the possibly she’d be investigated for tax fraud by the ATO for lying about marital status and claiming FTB. In which case she’d be required to pay the money back.

 

[drsleuth]

Erin Patterson described estranged husband as ‘coercive’ and in-laws as ‘demanding’, trial hears – as it happened

This blog is now closed

www.theguardian.com

3m ago14.41 AEST

Erin described estranged husband as 'coercive', court hears​

Hunt says she has not met Erin in person but got to know in the online community and had spoken on the phone several times.

She recalls Erin describing Simon as “coercive” and said she described Simon’s parents as “demanding”:

“There were challenges. She didn’t like it... she deemed unsettled whenever the kids were away.”

Hunt tells jurors Erin shared challenges about having a different faith to Simon:

“She being an atheist and Simon being from a very strong Baptist background, she found that very challenging... is what she shared with us.”

Hunt says she was on a “group call” with Erin after the mushroom lunch but did not speak directly to her.

1m ago14.43 AEST
Patterson’s lawyer Colin Mandy SC is now cross-examining Hunt.

Hunt agrees that Erin appeared to be a devoted mother and would often post information about her two children in the Facebook group.

Mandy then presses Hunt of how Erin characterised Simon in the group:

Hunt says “coercive” and “controlling” are the words Erin frequently used to describe her estranged husband.

Questioned on her previous use of the word “abusive”, Hunt says she used the word as coercive control is a form of abuse.

Mandy then turns to Hunt’s evidence that Erin was an anaesthetist.

Simon puts to Hunt that Erin attended church. Hunt replies that Erin shared she “did not necessarily” believe in God:

“I knew the kids went to a faith-based school and she was unhappy with that.”

Hunt’s evidence has concluded.


1m ago14.44 AEST
The next witness is Daniela Barkley.

Barkley met Erin Patterson through a Facebook true crime group in early 2019, the court hears.

Barkley confirms the group had about 30-50 members.

 

[drsleuth]

2.41pm

Witness details Erin’s challenges dealing with Simon’s faith​

​

Now that he has finished giving evidence, Simon Patterson has taken a seat in the court with his extended family.

He watched as the new witness Christine Hunt, appearing via video link, said Erin had told the online group that she had grown apart from Simon.

“I understood that she was self-sufficient, although she had some concerns about him paying his share, I guess is how you put it, and that he was very controlling, and she used the word ‘coercive’ at times,” Hunt said.

“And also, that his family were very demanding, and that she was really challenged by their demands and particularly around the kids attending a faith-based education.”

Hunt said Erin felt unsettled whenever her children were away from her. She also said Erin had expressed the challenges she found in Simon’s Baptist background.

“She found that challenging, and in particular the decisions around things like divorce, separation, how the kids should be educated and brought up. She found all that very controlling and demanding,” Hunt said.

Erin Patterson told online friends she was ‘hiding powdered mushrooms in everything’, court hears: Trial day five, as it happened

Erin Patterson’s estranged husband Simon will continue providing evidence in her murder trial. Follow our live blog.

www.theage.com.au

 

[drsleuth]

'How sad she felt': Erin Patterson confided in online friends, court hears — as it happened

Erin Patterson's Facebook friends took to the witness box in her murder trial over a lunch served to her in-laws containing death cap mushrooms. Look back at how the hearing unfolded in our live blog.

www.abc.net.au

3m ago

testimony​

By Judd Boaz​

Another Facebook friend of Erin Patterson, Daniela Barkley, is called as a witness via video link.

Ms Barkley tells the court she first became aware of Erin Patterson in 2019 in a true crime Facebook group.

She confirms that Ms Patterson initially had an account named Erin Patterson, then Erin Erin, then finally Erin Erin Erin.

As mentioned by Christine Hunt, their initial true crime group dissolved and reformed with a smaller number of members.

The group shared news articles and current affairs with each other.

She says a final group of 18 to 20 people including herself, Christine Hunt and Erin Patteron eventually formed.

"For the first few years, [Erin] was quite active in there," Ms Barkley says.

"In the last year or so, she barely posted in there."

Ms Barkley says when she did post, she would comment on news articles on certain true crime cases.

 

[drsleuth]

‘True crime’ associate says Patterson was a ‘super sleuth’

The mother is accused of killing three people with poisonous death cap mushrooms.

7news.com.au

‘True crime’ associate says Patterson was a ‘super sleuth’​

Christine Hunt has told the court she met Patterson around six years ago when the pair were both in a Facebook group chat dedicated to discussion on the Keli Lane case.

Hunt said the group initially contained up to 30 people, with members having discussions together on the page or sometimes messaging each other directly.

Hunt told the court discussion in the group were broad - including things “ happening in the world - crime, politics, and personal stories”.

The court heard Patterson used the chat group names “Erin”, “Erin Erin”, and “Erin, Erin, Erin”.

“Patterson shared lots about the kids, lego, buying the house at Leongatha. Information about herself, her husband, the challenges she was facing, the difficulties she had as a single mum,” she said.

Asked by the prosecution what Patterson’s reputation was in the group, Hunt said the mother-of-two was “well-regarded”.

Hunt said she left the group in 2019 when it shut down, but she was contacted by Patterson a few months later to join a smaller group of around seven to 15 people from the original group.

“It was very similar to the previous. (chat). People who had bonded in the previous years - talking about current affairs, personal stuff,” Hunt said.

Hunt told the court she had never met Patterson in person, but they did speak over the phones on some occassions.

“I always felt I had a good relationship with Erin. We had chats one on one. I didn’t have any problems with her,” Hunt said.

Speaking on her interpretation of Patterson’s relationship with her husband, Hunt said she seemed unhappy with him and his family’s religion.

“I understood they were growing apart, she was self-sufficient,” Hunt said.

“That he was very controlling - she used the word coercive at time.

“She said his family were demanding. There were challenges. She seemed unsettled whenever the kids were away (with his family).”

Hunt said Patterson seemed to find her husband and his family’s faith “challenging”.

Hunt said she understood Patterson to be an “athiest” and she had said that previous times within the group chat.

Mandy put it to Hunt that Patterson wasn’t necessarily atheist

“I think she was two-sided on that,” Hunt responded.

“She went to church - the interpretation that I got as she went with her in-laws (due to their strong faith).

“I know the kids went to a faith-based school and she was unhappy with that and she went to church and that took up a lot of time.”

 

[drsleuth]

'How sad she felt': Erin Patterson confided in online friends, court hears — as it happened

Erin Patterson's Facebook friends took to the witness box in her murder trial over a lunch served to her in-laws containing death cap mushrooms. Look back at how the hearing unfolded in our live blog.

www.abc.net.au

Key Event
6m ago

Facebook friend questioned over Erin and Simon's marriage​

By Judd Boaz​

Ms Barkley is asked about the relationship between Erin and Simon Patterson.

She tells the court that Erin would tell a small Facebook group of five people about her marriage.

"Just sometimes about how sad she felt, about how he was just so religious and how it was so difficult to get along with him," she says.

Ms Barkley says Erin would describe how Simon would favour one of his children over another.

"[She would post] that he wasn't a very nice person," she says.

"She didn't want the kids to sleep over [at his house] just because she wasn't very happy with the way he lived."

Ms Barkley says Erin described times when she felt Simon prioritised the church over his children.


Key Event
3m ago

Erin told friends 'I've been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything', court hears​

By Judd Boaz​

Ms Barkley tells the jury that Erin Patterson had felt "excited" that she had bought a food dehydrator, and had shared images of her drying mushrooms into a private group chat with her.

"Did she say what she had been using the dehydrator for?" Ms Lenthall asks.

"Just for mushrooms."

A screenshot of a Facebook comment is shown to the court. It reads:

"I've been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything. Mixed it into chocolate brownies yesterday, the kids had no idea."

Ms Barkley says Erin posted this comment.

 

[drsleuth]

Erin Patterson described estranged husband as ‘coercive’ and in-laws as ‘demanding’, trial hears – as it happened

This blog is now closed

www.theguardian.com

now05.56 BST
Barkley says the group members would share news articles and true crime podcasts, related to the Keli Lane case.

Barkley say another group with 18 members was then created. She says for the first few years Erin was “quite active” in this small group.

In the last year or so, the court heard, she barely posted in there.

Asked if Erin spoke about Simon, says she did so in a Facebook chat group with five members:

Sometimes about how sad she felt. About how he was just so religious and how it was so difficult to get along with him... some of it was to do with just how he treated [their son].

She felt like he was always favouring [their daughter] for some reason and [their son] would feel very, very hurt.

Asked what else she shared, Barkley says: “just that he wasn’t a very nice person” as well as her issues with “his cleanliness”, adding that Erin didn’t want their children to stay overnight at Simon’s house.

 

[MsMarple]

It seems like a lot of possibilities we all discussed over the last couple years aren’t too far from today’s testimonies. Like wondering if Erin felt like Don’s family were meddling with the way she wanted to raise the kids. And financial tensions.

IMO the emerging picture doesn’t look too good for Erin.

 

[drsleuth]

Erin Patterson told online friends she was ‘hiding powdered mushrooms in everything’, court hears: Trial day five, as it happened

Erin Patterson’s estranged husband Simon will continue providing evidence in her murder trial. Follow our live blog.

www.theage.com.au

2.51pm

‘Controlling, coercive’: How Erin described Simon to her online friends​

By​

Defence barrister Colin Mandy, SC, has begun cross-examining Christine Hunt, and asks about the smaller, splinter group that emerged from the initial Keli Lane true crime group.

Colin Mandy, SC.Credit: Jason South

“It was very social but still discussed societal matters,” Hunt said of the smaller group.

Hunt said Erin posted photos and videos of her children to the group. Erin’s life, Hunt told the court, appeared to revolve around her being a mother, and she came across as attentive. Although Hunt never met Erin in person, she said she regarded her relationship with Erin to be good.

She told the jury Erin had described Simon as “controlling” and “coercive” on several occasions.

“They are the two words that I really do recall strongly that were used repeatedly,” she said.

Asked by Mandy whether Erin held religious beliefs, Hunt said the accused woman was “two-sided” about it.

“She went to church, is the impression I got, because of the family situation. But she was saying to us, publicly in that group, that she didn’t necessarily believe in God,” Hunt said.


2.59pm

Erin told online friends of difficulties with Simon​

By​

Christine Hunt has finished her evidence and the new witness is Daniela Barkley, a stay-at-home mother who runs a couple of businesses from home.

Barkley told the court Erin spoke about Simon in a private chat with five people, where she described how sad she felt and the difficulties she had getting along with him.

She said Erin spoke about how Simon favoured one of their children over the other.

“She was quite happy with him wanting to be regularly involved [in the children’s lives], but I think it had more to do with just his cleanliness and things like that,” Barkley said.

“She didn’t want the kids to sleep over there at night because she wasn’t happy with the way he lived.”

Barkley recalled being told by Erin about a time the power went out while Simon was looking after the children.

“She was very, very upset because he’d left, he had the kids, and he just left them at home and told them that they weren’t allowed to open up the fridge to eat any of the food because it would stop being so cold ... and instead, he went to the church to set up whatever he did there,” the witness said.

‘A bit excited’: Erin’s posts about food dehydrator​

By​

The jury is being shown screenshots from the Facebook chat group. In one screenshot, Erin posted: “Ive been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything. Mixed it into chocolate brownies yesterday, the kids had no idea”.

Witness Daniela Barkley, one of the Facebook group members, said Erin posted the message in 2023, some time after she bought a food dehydrator.

Barkley told the court Erin was “a bit excited that she purchased a food dehydrator”.

In another message shown to the jury, Erin wrote: “So fun fact, the dehydrator reduces mushroom mass by 90 per cent do you think Woolies would mind if I brought the dehydrator into their vegetable section and dry things before I buy them?”

The jury is also shown a photo of Erin’s dehydrator with mushrooms on the shelves.

“Erin sent it to us,” Barkley told the court.

Barkley is shown photos of chopped up button mushrooms and confirms Erin sent the images to group chat.

“She was excited,” Barkley said.

 

[drsleuth]

‘True crime’ associate says Patterson was a ‘super sleuth’

The mother is accused of killing three people with poisonous death cap mushrooms.

7news.com.au

‘She was a bit excited that she purchased a food dehydrator’​

Daniella Barclay, another member of a true crime Facebook group Patterson was apart of, has taken the stand.

Barclay told the court Patterson seemed “sad” in regards to her relationship with Simon, and felt he put the church before his family.

In response to questioning from the prosecution, Barclay confirmed that Patterson shared photos in the group of her dehydrating mushrooms.

“She was a bit excited that she purchased a food dehydrator,” Barclay said.

“In a private chat group, she shared photos of her dehydrating mushrooms in the dehydrator.

“From memory, I believe it was a couple of months before the lunch. It was sometime in 2023.”

Prosecution: “Did she say what she had been using the dehydrator for?”

Barclay: ”Just mushrooms.”

Patterson’s dehydrator messages in true crime group revealed​

The court has been shown messages Patterson posted in a true crime discussion group about her food dehydrator.

The first message read:

“I’ve been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything. Mixed it into chocolate brownies yesterday, the kids had no idea.”

A short time later, Patterson sent another message, reading:

“So fun fact the dehydrator reduces the mushroom mass by 90%. Do you think Woolies would mind if I brought the dehydrator into their vegetable section and dry things before buying them?”

The court was also shown photos Patterson sent to the group of trays of mushrooms being dehydrated in her home.

‘Any advice?’ Patterson asked true crime friends for beef wellington cooking tips​

True crime group associate Daniella Barclay has told the court Patterson asked members of the chat for advice in late July 2023 for advice on how to cook a beef wellington.

“She asked if anyone had cooked a beef wellington and if they had any advice. I believe it was two weeks before the lunch,” Barclay said.

“I just specific remember the conversation because I didn’t know what beef wellington was because I’m vegetarian.

“I said ‘I would bake a tofu wellington’ and everyone thought that was awful.

“I believe Jenny (another member of the group) replied because she had previously cooked a beef wellington.

“I believe a couple of days after that conversation Erin was out looking for a cut of meat for the wellington. (She) was out at the shops and I think she sent through a photo asking if this one was ok - I think she was struggling to find a big piece of meat.

“That was probably the last time we heard about the beef wellington.

“We assumed it (the lunch) was for her and her kids.”

 

[drsleuth]

'How sad she felt': Erin Patterson confided in online friends, court hears — as it happened

Erin Patterson's Facebook friends took to the witness box in her murder trial over a lunch served to her in-laws containing death cap mushrooms. Look back at how the hearing unfolded in our live blog.

www.abc.net.au

16m ago

More Facebook screenshots shown to court​

​

By Judd Boaz​

More comments from Erin Patterson are shown to the court, with Erin expressing amazement over how much the dehydrator would shrink the mass of mushrooms.

Ms Barkley tells the court that the messages were sent to a private Facebook group in the months preceding the July 29 lunch.

Erin Patterson discussed beef Wellington with online friends​

​

16m ago​

By Judd Boaz​

Ms Barkley says the group would often discuss cooking, as it was a main topic of discussion.

She tells the court that beef Wellington was raised by Erin Patterson in the weeks before the lunch.

"Erin asked the group if anyone had cooked beef Wellington before and if they had any advice," Ms Barkley says.

"When was that question asked?" Ms Lenthill asks.

"I believe it was two weeks before the lunch."

Ms Barkley says she specifically remembers the conversation because she's mostly vegetarian and didn't know what beef Wellington was.

She says she joked about making a tofu Wellington, which several people in the group thought would be "awful".

She says the last time the group heard about the beef Wellington was towards the end of July, when Erin expressed difficulty in finding a cut of meat due to the expense.


16m ago

The defence begins questioning Daniela Barkley​

​

By Judd Boaz​

Colin Mandy SC begins his cross-examination of Daniela Barkley.

13m ago

More on beef Wellington​

​

By Judd Boaz​

Mr Mandy asks about Erin Patterson as a mother.

"Her life appeared to revolve around her children," Ms Barkley says.

"Absolutely it did, that's all she appeared to care about ... I thought she was a wonderful mother."

Ms Barkley says the cookbook RecipeTinEats was a prominent feature of the online group's discussion.

She says other members of the group had made beef Wellington before and it was a loved dish for the group.

Ms Barkley tells the court that Erin had mentioned her love of mushrooms to the group.

"I always knew that about her, yep," she says.

10m ago

Erin Patterson cleaned estranged husband's house, court hears​

​

By Judd Boaz​

In his final question, Mr Mandy again raises the issue of Simon Patterson's cleanliness.

Colin Mandy SC: Did she also tell you ... that she'd been to his house to clean it?

Daniela Barkley: She reluctantly told us that.

Ms Barkley is dismissed, and the final witness of the day, a Facebook friend called Jenny Hay, is called to give evidence via video link.

4m ago

Erin's focus on mushrooms discussed​

​

By Judd Boaz​

"Did you ever discuss mushrooms?" prosecutor Sarah Lenthall says.

"Yes," Ms Hay replies.

"In particular, did Erin Patterson ever talk about mushrooms in that group?" Ms Lenthall asks.

"Around February/March '23, Erin had bought a dehydrator and seemed to be using it particularly to dehydrate mushrooms," Ms Hay says.

Ms Hay describes Erin's process of powdering mushrooms and putting them in food.

However, she says there was no mention about foraging mushrooms.

Ms Hay says towards the end of July, Ms Patterson discussed making a beef Wellington.

4m ago

Jenny Hay questioned by the prosecution​

​

By Judd Boaz​

Jenny Hay is asked about her connection to Erin Patterson.

"I've never met her in person but I've known her online" she says.

She explains how they initially connected through the Keli Lane Facebook group, before joining the smaller, five person chat group around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Hay confirms that Erin's Facebook name was changed to Erin Erin, and then Erin Erin Erin.


2m ago

Phone coversation between Jenny Hay and Erin Patterson after the lunch​

​

By Judd Boaz​

On the Monday following the poisonous lunch, Ms Hay says she spoke with Erin Patterson for about 10 minutes over the phone.

"Erin emailed me on the Monday morning, via my work email, and asked for me to call her," she says.

"I don't think she answered, I think she called me back but I ended up speaking with her on the phone."

Prosecutor Sarah Lenthall asks if Erin mentioned where the mushrooms came from.

"She said that they came from an Asian grocer store," Ms Hay says.

Ms Lenthall asks if Erin said anything about her illness.

"She said she was sick and was in hospital."

Ms Lenthall asks if Erin said anything about her children eating the meal.


1m ago

Defence questions Erin's online friend Jenny Hay​

​

By Judd Boaz​

Defence barrister Colin Mandy SC is up next to question Erin Patterson's online friend Jenny Hay.

He has Ms Hay reaffirm many parts of her and the other Facebook friends' testimonies.

This includes Erin's passion for mushrooms, Erin's diligence as a mother and the advice Ms Hay gave for a non-soggy beef Wellington.

"[I suggested she] wrap the pastry as close as possible to putting it in the oven," Ms Hay tells the court.

It concludes after just a minute or two, and Ms Hay is dismissed.

"Yes, she said that they ate some of the meal."

2m ago

Court adjourns​

By Judd Boaz​

The three Facebook friends are the final witnesses for today, and Justice Beale adjourns court for the day.

​

 

[drsleuth]

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/may/05/erin-patterson-live-mushroom-

murders-trial-australian-woman-updates-day-five-ntwnfb

4m ago15.14 AEST
Erin discussed the dehydrator in the Facebook chat, Barkley says.

Jurors have been shown a screenshot of a Facebook message Barley says she received from Erin in 2023 before the lunch:

I’ve been hiding mushrooms in everything. Mixed into chocolate brownies yesterday, the kids had no idea.

Another message Barkley says is from Erin reads:

So fun fact the dehydrator reduces mushroom mass by 90%. Do you think Woolies would mind if I brought the dehydrator into their vegetable section and dry things before I buy them.”

The screenshots shown are sent from “Facebook user.” Barkley says the messages were sent from Erin.

A photo of a dehydrator with dried mushrooms is also shown to jurors.

4m ago15.15 AEST
Two weeks before the lethal lunch, Barkley says Erin asked for advice in the chat about cooking a beef wellington.

She said she later asked for further advice regarding selecting meat for the dish.

Barkley says Erin did not say why she was cooking a beef wellington.

2m ago15.17 AEST
Mandy is now cross-examining Barkley.

He says there were discussions “long before the lunch” in July about beef wellingtons. Barkley says she can’t recall.

She agrees the dish was loved by other members of the Facebook chat. Barkley says Erin told members of the group that she loved mushrooms.

Asked about her evidence that Erin raised an issue with Simon’s cleanliness, Barkley agrees that Erin had told the group she had to clean her estranged husband’s house at one point.

Barkley’s evidence has concluded.

1m ago15.18 AEST

Erin Patterson never discussed foraging mushrooms, Facebook friend tells court​

The next witness, Jenny Hay, is also an online friend of Erin Patterson, the court hears.

Hay says she first met Erin in a Facebook group that “stemmed from the ABC documentary about Keli Lane.”

Hay says her and Erin were also part of a separate, smaller Facebook group and a private group chat with five people.

Lenthall asks if the group chat ever discussed mushrooms and Hay replies “yes”:

We did talk a lot about recipes and things we liked.

She says in February 2023 Erin bought a dehydrator and was using it to dry mushrooms, including for food she gave to her children.

Asked if Erin ever discussed foraging mushrooms, she says “no”.

1m ago15.18 AEST

Facebook friend tells court Erin told her mushrooms came from Asian grocer​

Hay says Erin emailed her on the Monday after the mushroom lunch and asked her to call her.

They later spoke on the phone for about 10 minutes, the court hears.

Hay says Erin told her the mushrooms came from an Asian grocery store.

She also recalls Erin saying she was sick after the lunch, had attended hospital and that her children had been tested after eating some of the meal.

2m ago15.21 AEST
Under cross-examination by Mandy, Hay says Erin “seemed to really like mushrooms.”

She says she gave Erin advice about making a beef wellington dish, suggesting she wrap the pastry as close as possible to avoid it becoming soggy.

Hay’s evidence has now concluded.

 

[drsleuth]

‘True crime’ associate says Patterson was a ‘super sleuth’

The mother is accused of killing three people with poisonous death cap mushrooms.

7news.com.au

‘She seemed to use it a lot’: Third true crime group ‘friend’ gives food dehydrator evidence​

Jenny Hay has taken the stand as a third friend Patterson made through a true crime Facebook group.

“Originally (we met) through a FB group that was about Keli Lane that stemmed from the ABC documentary that was on about Keli Lane. That was a pretty big group. Eventually that fell apart,” Hay said.

“I was then in a group with about 20 people from that group. Then there were about 5 of us in a group chat together.

“I think we had just become closer friends and just wanted to have a group that was just ours.

“It was the beginning of Covid, so there was a lot of talk about Covid - every day life, family, events - whatever was going on in our lives.”

Hay said Patterson bought a food dehydrator in early 2023 and “seemed to be using it to dehydrate mushrooms”.

“She sent a photo of the dehydrator with mushrooms in it (in the group),” Hay said.

“I remember her making mushroom soups and blitzing them so the kids would eat them. She seem to use it a lot.”

Hay said Patterson never discussed foraging mushrooms, but there were lots of discussions in the group about preparing and making food.

She said Patterson messaged the group towards the end of July 2023, seeking recipe advice for a beef wellington.

“She was at a supermarket. (She said) something about the meat because she was making beef wellington,” Hay said.

Hay said she spoke to Patterson on the phone shortly after the lunch and she said she had bought the mushrooms from an Asian grocer and she was also sick.

Court ends for the day​

After further examination of Simon and witness testimony from three true crime group ‘friends’ of Patterson, court has wrapped up for the day.

Follow along tomorrow for more updates.