The revelation came during Simon Patterson’s time on the stand.
7news.com.au
Simon Patterson’s astonishing admission that almost derailed Erin Patterson’s trial
The revelation came during Simon Patterson’s time on the stand.
“There is a matter I need to raise with you in the absence of the jury,” Justice Beale said to Patterson, as the court resumed following a lunch break.
“I made certain assumptions and I just want to confirm that those assumptions are correct.
“The spouse of an accused person has a right to object to giving evidence. I’ve assumed, that, from the history of this matter, you’ve been informed of that right previously and were willing to give evidence nonetheless.
“Now, are those assumptions correct?”
Simon responded “no”, prompting quiet gasps from members of the media.
Justice Beale offered Simon the opportunity to have some time to consider whether he was still willing to participate, but the father-of-two said he was happy to proceed.
“I’m willing to give evidence,” he said.
“I think if I had of been offered that before, I still would have said the same thing. I’m quite comfortable about that.”