Prosecutors in Australia have filed an appeal against the sentence of mushroom murderer Erin Patterson, stating it was manifestly inadequate. Last month, Patterson, 51, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release for at least 33 years after being found guilty of murdering three relatives and attempting to kill another using a meal laced with toxic mushrooms.
On Monday, the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) confirmed that it had submitted an appeal based on the belief that Patterson's sentence does not reflect the severity of her actions.
Patterson's sentence is among the longest ever given to a female offender in Australia, meaning she will be in her 80s before she can apply for parole.
Just a week ago, her barrister Richard Edney announced plans to appeal her conviction, although this appeal has not yet been formally filed. The legal arguments would need to demonstrate that there were specific legal errors during her trial for the appeal court to consider it.
The case has drawn intense public interest, leading to a media frenzy with journalists and content creators flocking to the small courthouse in Morwell, Australia.
Patterson was convicted of serving individual portions of beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms to her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both aged 70, and Gail's sister, 66-year-old Heather Wilkinson, all of whom died from the meal. Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived the incident after weeks in the hospital, but continues to deal with health issues related to the poisoning.
Unsurprisingly, Patterson's estranged husband, Simon Patterson, who had suspected her of trying to poison him for years, chose not to attend the fatal lunch.
During sentencing, Justice Christopher Beale noted the brutality of Patterson's crimes yet allowed for some leniency due to her treatment in a high-security facility, where she faced harsh prison conditions. Patterson's time in solitary confinement and risks of further isolation were key factors in the judge's decision.
