Erin Patterson believed to be reading and reciting bible verses in prison

Erin Patterson has turned to the bible to fill in her time behind bars, with the accused triple murderer even reciting some verses out loud, sources say.

Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson has been keeping occupied by reading and reciting bible verses behind bars, sources say.

Erin Patterson, 49, made international headlines after her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson died after eating a beef wellington she cooked and served at her Leongatha home on July 29.

Another relative and local pastor, Ian Wilkinson, was in a critical condition in hospital for two months following the meal.

Ms Patterson was arrested and charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder this month.

Three of these attempted murder charges relate to separate incidents between 2021 and 2022 when Ms Patterson’s ex-husband, Simon, became ill following meals.

Erin Patterson was arrested and charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder in November. Picture: Brooke Grebert-Craig.

Sources have revealed Ms Patterson spent her first nights on remand reading the bible and even reciting some verses out loud.

It is believed the accused murderer had become more religious in recent years.

Inmates can be given access to religious texts, spiritual support and Chaplaincy services while in prison.

“Chaplains are people who can support you as you go through difficult times. Chaplains care about what’s gone on in your life and will listen to you without judging you,” a Corrections Victoria document states.

“They will pray for you, and with you, if you want them to. Sometimes people find that even if they have not prayed for a long time, it’s the right time to start again when they are in prison.”

Ms Patterson is currently being held at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. Picture: Mark Dadswell

The document states that “almost all conversations with Chaplains are confidential”.

“Chaplains are only required to advise prison management of conversations when someone has told them anything that poses a serious threat to the security and good order of the prison, or a risk to themselves or another person.”

Another source told the Herald Sun that Ms Patterson pushed a religious agenda when she edited the Burra Flyer.

“The space for church announcements was disproportionate to the advertisements,” he said.

“You got a small business, whether it’s a butcher or car repairs shop, paying $130 for an ad and the church comes in with a puff piece and it takes out a full page or two.”

Ms Patterson’s former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson. Picture: Supplied

Ms Patterson took over as editor of the local newsletter from Don and Gail in 2018.

In a doting note published in the March to May edition, Ms Patterson said the couple were “extraordinarily generous”

“Thank you to Don and Gail Patterson, the Flyer’s previous editors, for the enormous

time and energy that they put into keeping the Burra Flyer going for the past five years,” she wrote.

“They are extraordinarily generous with their time and I am grateful for the support they have given … to ensure a smooth changeover.

“I hope we can do the Burra Flyer the justice that it deserves.”