GUILTY Australia - 3 dead after eating wild mushrooms, Leongatha, Victoria, Aug 2023 *Arrest* #19

[drsleuth]

4m ago05.40 BST

Patterson's life behind bars​

Within six weeks of arriving at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre - a maximum security women’s prison in Victoria - Patterson was moved from the Gordon unit (a restricted unit) to the Murray unit.

Hosking says the Murray unit is for prisoners requiring more supervision or protection. In March 2024, Patterson returned to the Gordon unit due to safety concerns. She later returned to the Murray Unit before being transferred to the Gordon Unit in June 2024.

Hosking says Patterson has engaged with forensic intervention services - rehabilitation and treatment programs within the prison – for a “period of time”

“She is still able to access that. She has most recently... refused to engage,” she says.

2m ago05.43 BST

'A keen crocheter' who has not used chaplaincy services​

Under questioning by Warren, Hosking says Patterson has not used the chaplaincy services available to her at the prison.

Hosking tells the court about Patterson’s cell:

“I understand she’s a keen crocheter. She has a lot of wool and crochet equipment within there.”

“She has her computer which she’s had for some time.”

Patterson also has crocheted blankets she has made herself, Hosking says.

“She also has a hair straightener and a fan,” she says.

Hosking says after Patterson is sentenced she will have access to the prison’s education services.

Erin Patterson plea hearing: mushroom murderer’s prison conditions ‘don’t sound very humane’, judge says – as it happened

This blog has now closed

www.theguardian.com

 

[Marg944]

“Jennifer Hosking concedes to the court that due to staffing issues at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Patterson's access to areas such as the library has been limited.

"Not totally limited, but it has been impacted by lockdowns, yes," Ms Hosking says.

Ms Hosking says lockdowns have been "more pronounced" since the middle of last year due to staffing shortages.

She says due to the pandemic and the lower levels of prisoners, the centre had paused recruitment.”

“Ms Hosking says there is currently a significant recruitment push underway.”

Prosecutors say Patterson had intent to kill months before mushroom lunch — as it happened

Convicted killer Erin Patterson will face a two day pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them beef Wellingtons that contained death cap mushrooms. Follow the hearing live.

www.abc.net.au

What a scoop for journalists who decide to become prison guards!



IMO

 

[MrJ]

Key Event
1m ago
Defence asks about Erin Patterson's conditions
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Colin Mandy asks Jennifer Hosking about what the usual period is for separation from prisoners.

She tells the court that according to general rules and UN guidelines, the time period is usually 14 days.

Mr Mandy then asks long Erin Patterson has been in the Gordon Unit.

"Well, about 14 months," Ms Hosking says.

"Say 400 days or so?," Mr Mandy asks.

"Yes, I'd agree with that."

Prosecutors say Patterson had intent to kill months before mushroom lunch — as it happened

Convicted killer Erin Patterson will face a two day pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them beef Wellingtons that contained death cap mushrooms. Follow the hearing live.

www.abc.net.au

 

[drsleuth]

2.39pm

A hair straightener, computer and lots of wool: The personal touches inside Erin Patterson’s prison cell​

By​

Inside the Gordon unit of the Dame Phyllis Frost women’s prison, where Erin Patterson is being held, a new life is unfolding for the triple murderer.

Far from the outside world, her days are structured around limited freedom and institutional services. Inmates in this section have at least one hour a day outside their cells and access to a range of programs.

Jenny Hosking, the assistant commissioner of Corrections Victoria, said Patterson had engaged with distress intervention services for a period of time but had recently refused to engage.

Her small cell has a rear door that opens to a private exercise area. Inside, the space reflects some personal touches amidst the stark surroundings, with a collection of wool for her crocheting (because Patterson is a “keen crocheter”), a computer, a hair straightener, and blankets she made herself. She also has access to the prison’s library and leisure centre.

2.44pm

Erin Patterson’s isolation: Prison staff shortages restrict jail unit​

By​

Due to staff shortages leading to an increase in lockdowns since mid-last year, Erin Patterson’s access to the library and lounges within her unit has been restricted.

According to Jenny Hosking, the assistant commissioner of Corrections Victoria, Patterson has had minimal contact with other people in the Gordon unit.

She can only communicate with one other woman through a courtyard gate, and no physical contact is permitted.

The ‘elaborate’ cover-up after the beef Wellington lunch and the single word that might have changed everything

September 8 is the date Erin Patterson will learn her fate – whether that be life in prison without the possibility of parole, as the prosecution has requested, or life with the possibility of the poisoner one day walking outside of jail once again.

www.theage.com.au

 

[MrJ]

Key Event
1m ago
Erin Patterson sequestered in cell for 22 hours a day
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Colin Mandy tells Jennifer Hosking that Patterson has told her legal team she has only met with staff regarding her status a handful of times, despite reviews usually taking place each month.

Mr Mandy then puts to Ms Hosking that Patterson spends about 22 hours a day in her cell due to ongoing lockdowns.

Ms Hosking agrees with that.

Mr Mandy says there is a very small courtyard Patterson has access to "for no more than an hour at a time".

He says given her isolation conditions, Patterson is thus not able to use the courtyard if it is in use by someone else.

Prosecutors say Patterson had intent to kill months before mushroom lunch — as it happened

Convicted killer Erin Patterson will face a two day pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them beef Wellingtons that contained death cap mushrooms. Follow the hearing live.

www.abc.net.au

 

[drsleuth]

10 minutes ago

Erin transferred between prison units amid safety concerns
The court heard Erin had been transferred multiple times between the Gordon unit and the Murray protection unit since November 2023.
Ms Hosking said she was taken to the protection unit due to “safety concerns”.
However, she said Erin has, for the most part, resided in the Gordon unit.
The court heard she is allowed a minimum of one hour out of her cell everyday.
“The minimum is the statutory requirement, but she may have more than that,” Ms Hosking said.
She told the court Erin has access to “forensic intervention services” that can provide “offence-specific treatment”.
“She was offered those services and did engage with those services … for a period of time.
“Recently … she has refused to engage.”
The court heard she also has access to chaplaincy services.
“She hasn’t availed herself of any of those?” Ms Warren asked.
“That’s my understanding, yes,” Ms Hosking replied.
The court also heard Erin has limited access to exercise equipment at the leisure centre and the lounge area of the unit.

7 minutes ago

Computer, TV, crochet equipment in Erin's cell
The court has been given an insight into Erin’s cell in the Gordon unit.
Ms Hosking agreed that she has an “open air space” via the rear yard door of her cell.
“It opens out onto a very small exercise area,” she said.
“She has normal cell provisions … things like a television, room for her personal items.
“I understand she is a keen crocheter and she has wool and crochet equipment.
“She has her computer that she has had for some time … she has her own pillows, crocheted blankets, toiletries, books, magazines, hair straightener and a fan.”
The court heard she also has access to personal visits.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/the-mushroom-cook/families-to-deliver-victim-impact-statements-at-erin-patterson-presentencing-hearing/live-coverage/f0135c998dfec249578f2d733215e4a4#/entry/33459217

 

[drsleuth]

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/erin-patterson-to-face-families-of-mushroom-murder-victims-in-court-at-plea-hearing/live-coverage/4fb924bec8e49d59cb0cd198c6ba02d8?amp#scroll-to-12831836

A corrective services official has shed light on the circumstances in which Erin Patterson is being held in the Dame Phyllis Frost prison in north-west Melbourne.

Jennifer Hosking has told the Victorian Supreme Court that Patterson has spent the majority of her time in the Gordon Unit, which is reserved for people “who need protection or closer supervision from the main population of the prison”.

Hosking said Patterson had been kept in the Gordon Unit – which allows a minimum of one hour outside time – for her own safety due to the intense attention on her case.

Patterson has a television in her room, and keeps personal items with her including a hair straightener and books, Ms Hosking said.


“I understand she has she is a keen crocheter she has a lot of wool and crochet equipment in there, she has her computer in there, which she’s had for some time,” Ms Hosking said. “She has her own pillows, she has a number of crochet blankets she’s made herself.”

Meals are provided to Patterson through a trapdoor, Ms Hosking said. Patterson has not been able to access education services on remand, she said, but will be able to once sentenced.

Ms Hosking said Patterson is allowed access to a chaplain, but has not engaged with the service.

She said Patterson had spent some time in the Murray Protection Unit while in prison. The Murray Unit, Ms Hosking said, has a “greater level of movement” to the Gordon Unit, but the prison believed it “sensible” to keep under tighter conditions.

Ms Hosking accepted it was likely Patterson spends about 22 hours a day in her cell.

 

[drsleuth]

https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/about-forensicinterventionservices

Forensic Intervention Services (FIS) is a specialist program within Corrections Victoria.

FIS supports rehabilitation by providing best practice, evidence-based forensic intervention, working mainly with violent, sexual, alcohol and other drug related offending.

We believe that every individual has the capacity to change and deserves the opportunity to do so.

 

[Scooby-Doo]

Former cellmate reveals state of Erin Patterson’s cell, comments she made about trial​

Erin Patterson hardly sleeps. She crochets all night inside a filthy prison cell. Those she shares her life with now say she treats them like dirt.
“She is just a real rude ,” one former inmate tells news.com.au.

Patterson, 50, is about to have one of the hardest weeks of her life.

Starting today, the Leongatha woman who murdered three of her in-laws with a lunch meal laced with death cap mushrooms will sit in the dock inside Court 4 at the Victorian Supreme Court surrounded by a packed gallery including family members of her victims and a huge media scrum.

For more than eight hours she will be forced to listen to victim impact statements either read out in person or by the prosecution.

Her own lawyers will have the opportunity to outline mitigating factors and personal circumstances they say should afford her some leniency.

But ultimately, Justice Christopher Beale will decide on a head sentence and a non-parole period for the convicted killer in the final chapter of a story that has captivated the public in Australia and abroad.

She will spend her days in the company of Victoria’s worst female criminals. Judy Moran, the gangland widow serving 21 years for arranging the murder of her brother-in-law, will be there.

So too is Robyn Lindholm, the so-called Black Widow who was jailed for 30 years for the murders of two former lovers.

Her long days will start and end in the protection unit of the prison at Ravenhall, 20km west of Melbourne.

She will be forced to work — up to 60 hours a fortnight — until she is 65.

The daily freedoms she receives will be at the whim of prison staff who can — and frequently do — lock down her unit for the smallest indiscretion.

The hardest part might be learning to get along with the prisoners she lives so closely with — women who, according to one former inmate, despise her.

“Any interaction she has with people, she tries to manipulate them and make them feel like ,” the former inmate told news.com.au.

“When she first moved to the Murray Unit (protection), girls would say hello to her and she would just ignore them. She was just a real rude .”

The inmate said Patterson “never thought for a second that she was going to be convicted”.

“She didn’t ever deny (her crimes) but said they couldn’t prove it. She’s not going to cope doing 30 years. No way, absolutely not.”

The former inmate, who was released in March this year, said Patterson was unpleasant and untidy.

“She spent her time by herself arguing with another inmate about who was getting more attention.

“She crocheted all day, all night. Any interaction with people, she tried to make them feel like .

“Her cell was a pig sty. She was very serious, never smiled, only made fun of people, was narcissistic and hardly slept.”

She also thought that because her story was notable, she was entitled to “whatever she wants”.

“She thinks she can have whatever she wants because she’s so high profile,” the former inmate said.

According to the former Dame Phyllis Frost Centre inmate who spoke to news.com.au, Patterson was truly resentful towards him during her time in prison.

“Erin hates her ex-husband and openly admitted — she has made comments about no matter how long she gets (in prison), she will kill him,” the former inmate said.

The two-day plea hearing is taking place in Melbourne instead of the Latrobe Valley law courts in Morwell where her trial was run over 11 weeks.

More Coverage​

Prison guards’ shock discovery in Erin cell
Awkward next step for mushroom cook
Prosecutor Jane Warren has flagged there are “a lot” of victim impact statements expected and that they will likely occupy much of August 25.

Patterson was found guilty on all counts on July 7 following a week of jury deliberations.

Her barrister, Colin Mandy SC, has indicated she intends to appeal.

https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/courts-law/former-cellmate-reveals-state-of-erin-pattersons-cell-comments-she-made-about-trial/news-story/8d5a812287db1b1256d132a688a599ff

 

[drsleuth]

1m ago05.54 BST
Library access limited

Hosking says due to staff shortages, there have been more lockdowns at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre since the middle of 2024.

Consequently, Patterson’s access to some areas of the prison including the library have been limited, Hosking says.

Hiring at the prison was paused due to Covid and lower levels of prisoners, the court hears.

Hosking says she expects staff shortages to ease later in the year due to a current recruitment drive.

Erin Patterson plea hearing: mushroom murderer’s prison conditions ‘don’t sound very humane’, judge says – as it happened

This blog has now closed

www.theguardian.com

 

[drsleuth]

2 minutes ago

Meals, meds delivered to Erin through flap in cell door
Ms Hosking said Erin received her meals and medication through a flap in her cell door.
She has also been subjected to “increased restrictions” on her freedoms due to staffing restrictions but there was a “significant recruitment program” under way to hire more officers.
An affidavit prepared by Erin’s defence team on her behalf said the triple murderer had “barely had any access to other prisoners”.
Ms Hosking said Erin was able to speak with one other woman through a mesh fence dividing their courtyards.
Ms Hosking said this socialising could occur “whenever (Erin) happens to be outside and the other person is outside”.
There is also an intercom which allows communication between prisoners’ cells, and Erin can choose to communicate with others should she wish, following an assessment by staff that it is appropriate to do so.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/the-mushroom-cook/families-to-deliver-victim-impact-statements-at-erin-patterson-presentencing-hearing/live-coverage/f0135c998dfec249578f2d733215e4a4#/entry/33459392

 

[MrJ]

Key Event
Just now
Patterson allowed to talk to one other prisoner
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Colin Mandy reiterates the environment Patterson inhabits is extremely "restrictive", usually designed for short-term holding.

"There are at least two prisoners other than Ms Patterson who have been there long term?" Mr Mandy asks.

Jennifer Hosking says that is correct, and confirms at least one other prisoner has been in the restrictive Gordon Unit for three years.

Mr Mandy asks about a claim that Patterson has had contact with one other prisoner.

"Although she has that approval, can I suggest to you that she has never spoken one word to that prisoner?" Mr Mandy says.

Ms Hosking says she could not deny that, but it could be due to the other prisoner not wanting to speak.

Mr Mandy says this other prisoner is incarcerated for terrorism offences and has attacked other prisoners, and Ms Hosking confirms this.

During this questioning, Erin Patterson has stared straight ahead, showing no emotion.

Prosecutors say Patterson had intent to kill months before mushroom lunch — as it happened

Convicted killer Erin Patterson will face a two day pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them beef Wellingtons that contained death cap mushrooms. Follow the hearing live.

www.abc.net.au

 

[drsleuth]

2.58pm

Why the mushroom cook killer is alone in prison​

By​

A judge has heard that Erin Patterson is being held in solitary conditions, mostly, to ensure her safety.

Patterson, wearing black pants and a simple paisley shirt, is at Melbourne’s Supreme Court for her pre-sentence hearing.

The court has just heard some details about her life in prison, including that she is being kept in a single cell for up to 24 hours a day, a situation her lawyer described as “almost every day she’s been there.′

According to Corrections Victoria Assistant Commissioner Jenny Hosking, Patterson is on an intensive case management plan, and her placement in the Gordon unit is reviewed monthly.

Hosking explained that the restrictions are in place to meet the policy of placing individuals in the “least restrictive conditions” while prioritising their safety and the safety of others.

The ‘elaborate’ cover-up after the beef Wellington lunch and the single word that might have changed everything

September 8 is the date Erin Patterson will learn her fate – whether that be life in prison without the possibility of parole, as the prosecution has requested, or life with the possibility of the poisoner one day walking outside of jail once again.

www.theage.com.au

 

[MrJ]

Key Event
1m ago
Defence asks about Patterson's use of prison chaplain
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Colin Mandy suggests to Jennifer Hosking that the intercoms in each cell only connect to another cell on a "one-to-one" basis, and require knowing another prisoner's name.

"Can I suggest she's never had access to any other prisoner via the intercom system?" he asks.

Ms Hosking confirms this to be true.

The court then hears that whenever Patterson is transported, two prison officers are required to escort her.

Mr Mandy then asks about Patterson's use of the chaplaincy services.

Earlier, we heard Ms Hosking say Patterson had not made use of the spiritual services at the prison.

Ms Hosking reiterates she has been told that Patterson has not accessed the chaplaincy services, but has not seen the records herself.

Mr Mandy refutes this, saying Patterson has used the service multiple times, and Ms Hosking says she is not in a position to refute this.

Prosecutors say Patterson had intent to kill months before mushroom lunch — as it happened

Convicted killer Erin Patterson will face a two day pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them beef Wellingtons that contained death cap mushrooms. Follow the hearing live.

www.abc.net.au

 

[drsleuth]

3.02pm

The only another inmate Erin Patterson can talk to – but never has​

By​

Trapped in a prison unit with women accused of terrorism and long-term inmates, Erin Patterson is being held in isolation for her own safety.

The court is now hearing about the other prisoners in the Gordon unit — a small section of roughly 20 cells. In this unit, two other women have been held for years.

While Patterson is permitted contact with one of them, a woman in custody for terrorism who has a history of attacking other inmates, Patterson’s lawyer Colin Mandy, SC, claims his client has “never spoken one word” to her.

Corrections Victoria Assistant Commissioner Jenny Hosking noted that the lack of communication could be for a number of reasons, from Patterson’s own choice to the disposition of the other inmate.

The ‘elaborate’ cover-up after the beef Wellington lunch and the single word that might have changed everything

September 8 is the date Erin Patterson will learn her fate – whether that be life in prison without the possibility of parole, as the prosecution has requested, or life with the possibility of the poisoner one day walking outside of jail once again.

www.theage.com.au

 

[MrJ]

Key Event
Just now
Defence raises Erin Patterson's limited library access
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Colin Mandy asks Jennifer Hosking about Patterson's library access.

"Every single Friday she has said she wants access to the library," Mr Mandy says.

"She only has access to the library if no one else is using it, with the result she's had access to the library a handful of times since she's been in the Gordon Unit."

Ms Hosking agrees.

Mr Mandy says his client has to be accompanied by two staff members, and only "has 20 minutes there".

He says Patterson has similarly been unable to access the lounge area or exercise equipment, due to either staff issues or other prisoners using the equipment.

Prosecutors say Patterson had intent to kill months before mushroom lunch — as it happened

Convicted killer Erin Patterson will face a two day pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them beef Wellingtons that contained death cap mushrooms. Follow the hearing live.

www.abc.net.au

 

[drsleuth]

3 minutes ago

Erin only able to socialise with convicted terrorist: Defence
Defence barrister Colin Mandy SC then asked Ms Hosking whether it was her understanding that Erin spends between 22 to 24 hours alone in her cell each day.
She replied that she was allowed at least one hour out of her cell everyday.
Mr Mandy then asked Ms Hosking about the prisoner his client can talk to via the courtyard at the rear of her cell.
He said: “Can I suggest to you that she has never spoken one word to that other prisoner?”
She replied: “It could be the other person or her not wishing to have that conversation.”
The court heard this other prisoner has been in the Gordon unit for a number of years and is serving a sentence for terrorism offences.
“They have attacked other prisoners while they have been in custody,” Mr Mandy said of this other prisoner.
Ms Hosking said Erin may not have requested to have access to this other prisoner, but that it was suggested by custody officers.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/the-mushroom-cook/families-to-deliver-victim-impact-statements-at-erin-patterson-presentencing-hearing/live-coverage/f0135c998dfec249578f2d733215e4a4#/entry/33459579

 

[drsleuth]

2m ago15.05 AEST

Patterson spends 22 hours a day in cell and is separated from other prisoners​

Patterson’s defence lawyer, Colin Mandy SC, is questioning Hosking.

Responding to Mandy, Hosking says the maximum time period that prisoners should remain in separation is 15 days according to UN guidelines.

Hosking says Patterson has been alone, segregated from other prisoners, in the restricted Gordon unit for 14 months.

Mandy says this is about 400 days. Hosking says she agrees with this.

Mandy says Patterson says she has only met with her prison case worker a “handful” of times.

He says Patterson spends about 22 hours a day in her cell due to lockdowns at the prison. Hosking agrees.

She says there is a small courtyard adjacent to Patterson’s cell that she had access to for up to an hour a day.

Erin Patterson plea hearing: mushroom murderer’s prison conditions ‘don’t sound very humane’, judge says – as it happened

This blog has now closed

www.theguardian.com

 

[MrJ]

Key Event
Just now
Will Erin Patterson ever be allowed to mix with other prisoners?
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Jennifer Hosking tells the court that Erin Patterson's placement in the Gordon Unit is dependent on a range of factors.

"While Ms Patterson remains notorious, there would be a risk to placing her [in the Murray Unit]?" Colin Mandy asks.

Ms Hosking says she would never say that Patterson will stay where she is for her entire statement, and that it remained an ongoing, "flexible" assessment of her risk.

Mr Mandy disagrees that the arrangement is "flexible". He asks whether Ms Hosking can definitively say whether Patterson will ever leave the isolated Gordon Unit.

She says she cannot say that.

Prosecutors say Patterson had intent to kill months before mushroom lunch — as it happened

Convicted killer Erin Patterson will face a two day pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them beef Wellingtons that contained death cap mushrooms. Follow the hearing live.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Monstradamus]

Key Event
1m ago
Patterson's conditions in the Gordon Unit
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Jennifer Hosking tells the court she has remained in the Gordon Unit since June 9, 2024.

She says Erin Patterson is subject to an "intensive" management plan.

The court hears that Patterson is entitled to a minimum of one hour outside of her cell a day.

Ms Hosking says while Patterson has access to chaplaincy services, she has not made use of them.

She also has access to health services, access to a leisure centre twice a week and a lounge once per week.

Prosecutors say Patterson had intent to kill months before mushroom lunch — as it happened

Convicted killer Erin Patterson will face a two day pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them beef Wellingtons that contained death cap mushrooms. Follow the hearing live.

www.abc.net.au

Not made use of Chaplaincy services? What a surprise.