Sole survivor of mushroom lunch Ian Wilkinson speaks outside court after Erin Patterson sentencing
The only guest to survive Erin Patterson’s deadly beef wellington meal has addressed the media outside Victoria’s Supreme Court in his first public comments since the triple murderer was convicted.
The only guest to survive Erin Patterson’s deadly mushroom meal has spoken publicly for the first time since the triple murderer was convicted.
Patterson, 50, was sentenced on Monday to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years after she was found guilty of the murders of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson, as well as the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson.
Speaking outside the Supreme Court in Melbourne after Patterson’s sentence, Mr Wilkinson, 71, thanked Victoria Police.
“They made a professional, efficient and effective investigation into what happened at the lunch,” he said.
“They brought to light the truth of what happened with the death of three good people.
“We’re grateful for their skills that brought this truth to light and I’m also very grateful for the kindness and compassion they showed us, me and my family, throughout the long process that has brought us to this day, they have done a wonderful job.”
The Korumburra Baptist Church pastor also expressed gratitude for the Office of Public Prosecution.
“The court processes are a little bewildering to lay people like me,” he said.
“We’re grateful for their expertise, their hard work and their perseverance that has secured this conviction.
“I would also like to commend them for their kindness and compassion shown to us throughout this long process. They have also done a wonderful job.”
Mr Wilkinson said various health services played an “important role” in the case.
“There are so many services and agencies and people involved that I can’t start naming names but please each one, accept my sincere gratitude for the part that you have played in this process,” he said.
“We’re thankful when things go wrong there are good people and services and systems available to help us recover.
“I would like to encourage all those involved to keep turning up and serving others.
“Our lives, and the lives of our community, depend on the kindness of others.
“I would like to encourage everyone to be kind to each other.”
Mr Wilkinson finished his statement by telling the media to have a “great day”.
“Finally I want to say thank you to the many people across Australia and around the world who threw their prayers and messages of support to encourage us,” he said.
“I thank the people of the Leongatha and Korumburra communities in particular, your thoughtfulness and care has been a great encouragement to us.
“Thank you for listening, I hope you all have a great day.”
Mr Wilkinson addressed Justice Christopher Beale two weeks ago during Patterson’s pre-sentence hearing but Monday marked the first time he has spoken in public about the case.
In a statement pinned on a noticeboard outside Korumburra Baptist Church, the leadership team said “justice was important” but it did not bring back their “much-loved” Heather, Don and Gail.
“We now have only memories and echoes of their wisdom, compassion and humour,” they wrote.
“We look forward to being reunited with them in the future.
“We continue to love, support and pray for the Wilkinson and Patterson families in their ongoing grief.”
The leadership team said they will “continue to pray for Erin”.
“It is time for people and communities to be given the peace and space to heal and move forward,” they wrote.
“We thank our faithful God for his constant presence and love.”
With time served, Patterson will be eligible for parole in 2056.
She will be 82 years old.
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