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Australia's mushroom murderer appeals conviction
Patterson argues evidence was wrongly admitted or excluded and says a jury irregularity undermined the verdicts, while prosecutors seek a longer non-parole term.
- On Wednesday, Australian Erin Patterson launches an appeal against her conviction for the 2023 triple murder of her in-laws and aunt, while the prosecution simultaneously challenges her 33-year non-parole sentence as "manifestly inadequate."
- A jury found Patterson guilty last year of murdering Don, Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson by serving a beef Wellington lunch laced with lethal death cap mushrooms at her Leongatha home. She was also convicted of attempting to murder Ian.
- Patterson's lawyer argues a "fundamental irregularity" during jury sequestration "fatally undermined the integrity of the verdicts." The defense also claims the prosecution's cross-examination was "unfair and oppressive."
- Over two days, three judges at the Court of Appeal in Melbourne will hear both appeals. Patterson, held at the maximum-security Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, has requested to watch via live video link.
- Before fully hearing arguments, the Court of Appeal judges must decide if the grounds justify granting Patterson leave to challenge her conviction at all. The prosecution argued the trial judge's sentencing decision was "infected" by concerns over solitary confinement.
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Australian mushroom murderer set to return to court in bid to overturn convictions
An Australian woman who poisoned three family members with death cap mushrooms has returned to court as she attempts to have her convictions overturned.Erin Patterson, 51, who is currently serving a life sentence, is set to appear before the Victorian Court of Appeal in Melbourne this week.She was convicted last year of murdering Don and Gail Patterson, both aged 70, who were her estranged husband's parents, along with Gail's 66-year-old sister …
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left6Leaning Right8Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Right
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Right
40% Right
L 30%
C 30%
R 40%
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