‘Figures make the trial the biggest matter media-wise the court has managed in recent history’: Supreme Court

The triple-murder trial of Erin Patterson rates as the Supreme Court’s biggest case in recent history in terms of media coverage — but not everyone played by the rules. Here’s who fell foul, and why.

The triple-murder trial of Erin Patterson has been the “biggest” case in recent history, but not everyone in the media played by the rules, the Supreme Court of Victoria says.

The cold-blooded killer was on Monday found guilty of the murders of her estranged husband’s parents Don and Gail Patterson, Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson and the attempted murder of Heather’s husband Ian Wilkinson.

The case has attracted global media attention ever since news broke in early August 2023 that three family members from a small Australian town had died after eating a poisoned beef wellington served to them at a Saturday lunch.

Patterson, who was charged in early November 2023, faced a mammoth 10-week trial at the Latrobe Valley Law Courts in Morwell.

Erin Patterson has been found guilty of triple murder. Picture: Martin Keep

In a statement, Supreme Court media and public affairs manager Anthea Cannon said more than 250 journalists and media outlets were signed up to receive updates on the trial.

They included:

15 international media outlets from the UK, US and New Zealand;

9 authors;

7 podcasts / podcasters;

7 documentary crews; and

1 television drama series.

Another 7 international media outlets made contact after the verdicts.

“These figures make the trial the biggest matter media-wise the court has managed in recent history,” Ms Cannon said.

Defence barrister Colin Mandy SC is mobbed by cameras after the guilty verdicts. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The Supreme Court was “actively monitoring” the coverage of the trial, alongside the parties, to safeguard its integrity.

“As with all matters, media were reminded they must report fairly and accurately and only report information that was presented to the jury,” she said.

Ms Cannon confirmed that 16 directions to remove content were sent – including four against individuals on social media – mostly for breaches of sub judice contempt.

The details of these directions were not provided.

She said a small number of inaccuracies were also corrected.

“Given the significant volume of trial material published and broadcast, the court was overall pleased with the quality and diligence of media reporting during the trial,” she said.

“It was, however, concerning to see some media outlets, commentators and individuals on social media purporting to cover the case and have “updates” on the hearing, despite having no direct contact with the trial and no understanding of their legal responsibilities or the trial’s complexities.

“At least one such outlet has been referred to the Office of Public Prosecutions for contempt as a result.”

Kyle Sandilands has landed himself in hot water for running a live commentary on the trial. Picture: Mark Stewart

Justice Christopher Beale, who presided over the trial, said he would refer the Kyle and Jackie O Show for contempt after the Sydney-based shock jock ran a live commentary on the trial.

In June, before Patterson had been found guilty, Sandilands declared that authorities should “just lock that bitch up”.

The popular Mamamia Out Loud podcast also landed itself in hot water for publishing an episode that speculated about Patterson’s decision to testify in her own murder trial.

“The way this trial captured the public’s attention and was discussed and dissected in popular culture was particularly challenging and should serve as a reminder why the principle of sub judice exists — to ensure every person who appears in court is afforded a fair trial,” Ms Cannon said.

Patterson will be sentenced at a later date.

Originally published as ‘Figures make the trial the biggest matter media-wise the court has managed in recent history’: Supreme Court