Probe launched into accommodation arrangements of jury in Erin Patterson murder trial

Victoria’s Juries Commissioner is investigating the accommodation arrangements of the jury in the Erin Patterson triple-murder trial after jurors stayed in a hotel which also housed several prosecutors, police and journalists covering the case.

A probe has been launched amid revelations the jury in the Erin Patterson triple-murder trial stayed at a hotel which also housed a number of prosecutors, police and journalists covering the case.

Victoria’s Juries Commissioner is investigating the circumstances in which the jurors shared a hotel with other people directly involved in the high-profile trial in Morwell in Gippsland.

Commissioner Paul Dore is also probing why it took court authorities tasked with monitoring the jury six days to tell Justice Christopher Beale about the accommodation arrangements, according to Nine newspapers.

Ms Patterson’s defence was informed of the arrangements just hours before the jury returned its guilty verdict.

Patterson arriving in the back of a prison transport vehicle during the trial. Picture: Martin Keep

Commissioner Dore has requested CCTV footage from the hotel’s lobbies and hallways, however he has been told the vision has been erased.

The commissioner is responsible for the administration and operation of the state’s jury system and can investigate alleged juror misconduct or interference.

There is no suggestion that prosecutors, police or members of the press acted inappropriately or attempted to influence the jury in any way during their stay at the hotel.