GUILTY Australia - 3 dead after eating wild mushrooms, Leongatha, Victoria, Aug 2023 *Arrest* #20

[MrJ]

Key Event
Just now
Prosecution argues poison serves as an aggravating feature
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Jane Warren argues the use of poison is an aggravating factor, as it leads to a long and agonising death for the victims.

Justice Beale raises the point that there may be poisons that do not cause painful or long deaths.

Ms Warren says given her familiarity with mushrooms, she must have known of the effects.

"It seems she had a level of knowledge about death cap mushrooms prior, having sourced them as she did," Ms Warren says.

Ms Warren argues Patterson sat on crucial information for hours and days that could have prevented the victims' experiencing pain from death cap mushrooms.

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]

3.58pm

As prosecutors detail premeditated plot, Erin Patterson closes her eyes​

By​

Throughout the intense discussion in the afternoon of her plea hearing, Erin Patterson is sitting quietly, closing her eyes for long periods of time — behaviours she also exhibited during her trial.

Prosecutor Jane Warren told the court that Erin Patterson’s plan to kill was premeditated, with an intent formed ahead of the lunch.

Warren argued that on April 28, Patterson travelled to the Loch area, a known spot for death cap mushrooms, and within hours, she purchased a food dehydrator. Photos later found on her tablet showed mushrooms on the dehydrator’s trays.

Justice Christopher Beale and Warren then discussed the lunch invitations, noting that by the time Patterson learned her estranged husband, Simon, wouldn’t be attending, she had already bought enough ingredients to make five poisoned beef Wellingtons.

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

 

[drsleuth]

Why in the hell would Erin need a hair straighter???

 

[drsleuth]

7 minutes ago

Prosecution lists aggravating features of Erin's offending
The court heard Erin has no “relevant prior criminal history”, but only a history with VicRoads in 2004 for a driving matter.
Ms Warren reiterated that the prosecution is seeking a head sentence of life imprisonment, noting that it was not opposed by the defence.
She said the “first aggravated feature” identified by the prosecution was that she tracked down the death cap mushrooms.
Mr Warren said Justice Beale could be satisfied that she picked the mushrooms at Loch on April 28 by relying on several pieces of evidence.
But he pushed her on this point.
“I’m satisfied that there was substantial planning in the lead up to the lunch, but I certainly haven’t reached the point that I can be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that she got the mushrooms at Loch,” he said.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/the-mushroom-cook/families-to-deliver-victim-impact-statements-at-erin-patterson-presentencing-hearing/live-coverage/f0135c998dfec249578f2d733215e4a4#/entry/33460560

 

[Detechtive]

Why in the hell would Erin need a hair straighter???

And why is she suddenly grooming herself? She hardly ran a brush through her hair for her entire life. IMO

 

[drsleuth]

now07.07 BST

Patterson had 'clearly formed intention' to kill guests prior to lunch​

Warren says Patterson also intended to serve Simon a poisoned beef wellington if he attended the lunch.

There is evidence Patterson decided to kill all her lunch guests in the weeks before the lunch, Warren says.

She says it’s “anybody’s guess” when Paterson first formed the intention to harm her lunch guests.

But she says there is evidence that by 16 July, when she invited the guests, she had a “clearly formed intention” to “harm all of them”.

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
2m ago
Patterson's murders are 'worst category offending', prosecution says
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Jane Warren submits to the court that if Patterson had mentioned cooking with wild mushrooms, it could have changed the trajectory of Don, Gail, Heather and Ian's treatment.

She says Patterson made "zero" effort to do so.

Finally, Ms Warren says the "elaborate" various steps Patterson made to cover up her crime, including disposing of evidence and lying to authorities, indicate a "complete absence of regret or remorse".

"There's been no remorse shown," Ms Warren says.

"No, she maintains her innocence," Justice Beale says.

She says Patterson's actions should be considered "worst category offending".

Justice Beale says this point has been conceded.

He tells the court he read all of the 28 victim impact statements over the weekend, and noted how the crimes had affected four generations of a family.

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

 

[MrJ]

Key Event
1m ago
Prosecution dubs autism diagnosis as 'hearsay'
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

The prosecution takes issue with the defence's claim that Patterson has autism spectrum disorder, saying any evidence of it is simply "hearsay" from other family members said in passing.

"The evidence just isn't there," Ms Warren says.

"She doesn't have a lot of credibility ... you're pushing on an open door," Justice Beale says.

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

 

[MrJ]

Key Event
1m ago
Justice Beale to judge Patterson's prison future
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

The prosecution addresses Patterson's current condition in the Gordon Unit of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, which Justice Beale says "doesn't sound very humane".

Jane Warren concedes the conditions are clearly relevant.

Justice Beale says he will have to determine what Patterson's future looks like.

"Her notoriety isn't going to diminish," he says.

"Well one day it will. Her notoriety won't but [public interest will]," Ms Warren says.

She says if you asked the average 20-year-old who Port Arthur mass murderer Martin Bryant is, they would not know.

Ms Warren says eventually Patterson's fame will decline.

"Can you put an estimate on how long that will be?" Justice Beale asks.

"No," Ms Warren concedes.

Justice Beale says he is fairly confident she will remain in isolated in prison for a very long time.

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]

now07.17 BST

'Complete absence of regret or remorse'​

Warren says Patterson made an “elaborate attempt to cover up her offences”.

“That is indicative of a complete absence of regret or remorse,” she says.

Warren says it also shows indifference to the victims and their families.

Beale says he read the victim impact statements over the weekend. He notes the offending has impacted “four generations” of the extended Patterson and Wilkinson families.

“The word ripple. Ripple effect is often mentioned. More like a tsunami than a ripple,” he says.

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

 

[Detechtive]

Key Event
1m ago
Justice Beale to judge Patterson's prison future
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

The prosecution addresses Patterson's current condition in the Gordon Unit of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, which Justice Beale says "doesn't sound very humane".

Jane Warren concedes the conditions are clearly relevant.

Justice Beale says he will have to determine what Patterson's future looks like.

"Her notoriety isn't going to diminish," he says.

"Well one day it will. Her notoriety won't but [public interest will]," Ms Warren says.

She says if you asked the average 20-year-old who Port Arthur mass murderer Martin Bryant is, they would not know.

Ms Warren says eventually Patterson's fame will decline.

"Can you put an estimate on how long that will be?" Justice Beale asks.

"No," Ms Warren concedes.

Justice Beale says he is fairly confident she will remain in isolated in prison for a very long time.

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

It's her own fault that she is notorious for such a heinous crime. I don't see why this should be a mitigating factor. IMO

 

[Ellery84]

The prosecution takes issue with the defence's claim that Patterson has autism spectrum disorder, saying any evidence of it is simply "hearsay" from other family members said in passing.

"The evidence just isn't there," Ms Warren says.

"She doesn't have a lot of credibility ... you're pushing on an open door," Justice Beale says.


Live: Prosecutors say Patterson had intent to kill months before mushroom lunch

BBM

 

[MrJ]

Key Event
1m ago
Sentence to be handed down on September 8
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Justice Beale tells the court he would like to hand down his sentence within a fortnight.

He earmarks 9.30am on the 8th of September as a potential time and date, and both the prosecution and defence say this is acceptable.

Justice Beale says although he would like to hand down the sentence in Morwell, maintenance issues prevent it and the sentence will be given at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne's CBD instead.

With that, Erin Patterson is led out of the courtroom.

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]

It's her own fault that she is notorious for such a heinous crime. I don't see why this should be a mitigating factor. IMO

At the end off the day, I don't think it will matter.

Going by a few of the comments Judge Beale has said today............she's toast

 

[Deleted member 363451]

Key Event
1m ago
Erin Patterson's autism spectrum disorder raised
Judd Boaz profile image
By Judd Boaz

Justice Beale asks Mr Mandy about Patterson's diagnosis with autism spectrum disorder.

Mr Mandy makes reference to depositions from Simon Patterson and Child Protective Services that detail various references to Patterson having autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and anxiety.

Mr Mandy says her mental health conditions mean Patterson finds imprisonment especially difficult, with his client unable to adapt to changes in routine.

Justice Beale tells Mr Mandy that it doesn't sound like there is much variation to Patterson's routine currently in the Gordon Unit.

Mr Mandy tells Justice Beale that things change on a "minute-by-minute" basis in the unit, including other "mentally ill" inmates causing disruption in the cells next door.

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

They need a diagnosis from a professional, not Simon or Child Protective Services.

 

[drsleuth]

4.15pm

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

By​

Throughout the hearing, prosecutor Jane Warren has argued that one of the most significant aggravating factors of Erin Patterson’s crimes was the extended period she maintained her intention to kill her lunch guests.

While the trio lay dying in the hospital, Warren said Patterson failed to provide medical staff with information that could have altered the course of their treatment.

“In the course of the days that follow the lunch she is aware that they’ve been hospitalised, that they are incredibly unwell,” Warren said.

Even the mention of the word “wild” in relation to the mushrooms she used would have dramatically altered the course of treatment for the lunch guests.

She added that Patterson’s actions were followed by an “elaborate” cover-up, which was “indicative of a complete absence of regret or remorse and complete indifference”.

Now the court is addressing the devastating impact on her victims.

Justice Christopher Beale, who has read all 28 victim impact statements, said the effects of Patterson’s crimes had been felt across four generations of the affected families.

“The word ripple effect is often mentioned,” Beale said. “More like a tsunami than a ripple.”

4.21pm

Life without parole: Prosecutors call for maximum sentence for Erin Patterson​

By​

And to end the day, in the final moments of the first day of Erin Patterson’s plea hearing, prosecutor Jane Warren called on the judge to sentence Erin Patterson to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“It is a crime that is so cruel and so horrific that in our submission the offender is not deserving of this court’s mercy,” Warren stated, confirming that the prosecution is seeking the most severe penalty.

Warren argued that Patterson’s actions were defined by an extended and relentless intention to kill. Even as her guests lay dying in the hospital, Patterson “failed to give medical staff advice that could have changed the course of their treatment.” This was compounded by an “elaborate” cover-up, which Warren said showed a “complete absence of regret or remorse and complete indifference.”

Justice Christopher Beale acknowledged the devastating impact on the victims, saying he had read 28 victim impact statements, which showed how the crime affected four generations of the Patterson and Wilkinson families.

“The word ripple effect is often mentioned,” Beale said, “more like a tsunami than a ripple.”

Beale also expressed “heightened” concerns about Patterson’s conditions in custody. For 14 months, she has spent up to 22 hours a day alone in a cell—a situation he called “not very humane.” He noted this was a significant consideration, especially since her notoriety means her harsh conditions are unlikely to change.

Justice Beale agreed that the offending was “horrendous.”

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

 

[Scooby-Doo]

Sentence to be handed down on September 8​

Justice Beale tells the court he would like to hand down his sentence within a fortnight.

He earmarks 9.30am on the 8th of September as a potential time and date, and both the prosecution and defence say this is acceptable.

Justice Beale says although he would like to hand down the sentence in Morwell, maintenance issues prevent it and the sentence will be given at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne's CBD instead.

With that, Erin Patterson is led out of the courtroom.

 

[Scooby-Doo]

Surely this cretin gets life

 

[drsleuth]

2m ago07.23 BST
Touching on the defence’s submission about Patterson having “Asperger syndrome”, Warren says it is “hearsay” and the “evidence isn’t there.”

Beale says Patterson doesn’t have “a lot of credibility”.

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]

28 minutes ago
Highlight

'Highest level of preparation and planning': Crown outlines Patterson's intention to kill​

The Crown says the court should consider that Erin Patterson’s crimes required the “highest level” of planning when determining her sentence.

Prosecutor Jane Warren this afternoon said the court should view the fact Patterson foraged for mushrooms in advance; lied to her lunch guests about having cancer to lure them into her home; purchased a dehydrator; and prepared individual meal parcels to ensure she did not accidentally consume the deadly mushrooms as aggravating factors when considering her sentence.

She said the murder of Patterson’s three lunch guests required the “utmost level of premeditation … essentially as high as you can get”.

Ms Warren said the use of death-cap mushrooms as a murder weapon “which caused prolonged suffering” should also be treated as an aggravating factor, as should the “various steps” Patterson took to cover up the offences.


She said there “has been no remorse shown” for the crimes.

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-12832427