Erin Patterson: Murder accused mushroom cook flags desire to have case heard near her local community

Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson has told a court she’s willing to remain behind bars longer if the case remains close to her hometown, but a magistrate has flagged one big issue with that course of action.

Erin Patterson was charged with murder and attempted murder in November, about three months after the deaths of three people. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

The accused murderer at the centre of the Leongatha mushroom poisoning case has told a court she’s “content” to spend more than a year behind bars on remand to have her hearing in her local community.

Erin Trudi Patterson, 49, made her first public appearance in more than five months on Monday morning, via videolink in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court from a secure wing at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.

With her hair tied up in a bun and wearing a baggy blue jumper, she appeared relaxed as she waited for the hearing to get underway shortly after 10am.

The case faced an immediate hiccup as both prosecutors and defence lawyers joined the wrong courtroom link, leading Magistrate Tim Walsh to briefly stand down.

Erin Patterson returned to court on Monday for the first time in about five months. Picture: Supplied

He returned to the bench shortly after, as barrister Colin Mandy S.C. and prosecutor Sarah Lenthall appeared on the screen.

Ms Patterson had previously engaged prominent silk Phillip Dunn KC to defend her, but the court was told she is now represented by Mr Mandy.

Mr Walsh said Mr Mandy had proposed dates for a three-week committal hearing later this year, but the regional court could not accommodate those dates.

He flagged the case could be heard in Melbourne or fast-tracked to the Supreme court sooner, but Mr Mandy opposed the idea.

“She would like to have her committal heard at her local court in the local community,” he said.

“If it has to be next year, Ms Patterson is content to wait for that.”

Ms Patterson is accused of murdering her ex-husband, Simon Patterson’s (pictured), parents Gail and Don Patterson and making four attempts on his life. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

He suggested the majority of witnesses that would give evidence were from Victoria’s South Gippsland region, arguing it was the “proper venue” for the hearing.

Ms Lenthall said it was the crown’s position the committal should proceed “as soon as possible”.

Mr Walsh said he was “not content to wait” noting this would push Ms Patterson’s time in custody out to 14 or so months.

“The delay seems to be, I understand your client consents, but the delay seems to be getting out there,” he said.

The case was adjourned for two weeks to allow both parties to settle on a proposed witness list and for Mr Walsh to consider whether to move the case.

“I’ll give some more consideration if the matter should remain here before then,” he said.

Ms Patterson nodded and softly said; “thank you”, as she was told she would be remanded until custody until the return date.

Erin Patterson’s case was heard in the La Trobe Valley Magistrates Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Josie Hayden

Ms Patterson garnered international attention in the second half of last year following the deaths of three family members who fell ill after a lunch at her Leongatha home.

Her ex-husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, both aged 70, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, died in hospital within a week of eating a beef wellington on July 29.

Ms Wilkinson’s husband, Korumburra pastor Ian Wilkinson, survived after spending close to two months in hospital.

Three months later, Ms Patterson appeared flushed as she was brought before the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court — a day after she was arrested and charged with three counts of murder.

The 49-year-old was also charged with five counts of attempted murder, one for Mr Wilkinson and four for her ex-husband Simon Patterson.

Don and Gail Patterson Picture: Supplied

Heather and Ian Wilkinson. Picture: Supplied.

In charge sheets released by the court, police allege the mother-of-three made three previous attempts on Simon’s life in November 2021, May 2022 and September 2022.

The fourth count alleges she attempted to murder him at the July 29 lunch, which he did not attend.

Police previously said the three deaths displayed symptoms of having eaten death cap mushrooms.

She has repeatedly denied the allegations, releasing a statement in August last year, and before she was charged, to say she too had fallen sick following the lunch.

“I am now devastated to think that these mushrooms may have contributed to the illness suffered by my loved ones,” she wrote.

“I really want to repeat that I had absolutely no reason to hurt these people whom I loved.”

Ms Patterson’s lawyer has previously hinted the case could run for some time. Picture: Anita Lester

At Ms Patterson’s first appearance, police sought a 20-week adjournment to analyse electronic devices seized at her home on November 2.

They were instructed by Magistrate Tim Walsh to deliver a brief containing all the evidence they intended to rely on to Ms Patterson’s lawyer by March 25 and to return to court on May 3.

But late last month, Ms Patterson’s name appeared in court lists as the case was listed to return to court two weeks earlier than previously expected.

She will next appear on May 7.

Originally published as Erin Patterson: Murder accused mushroom cook flags desire to have case heard near her local community