Erin Patterson LIVE updates: Fresh details emerge about alleged mushroom chef's family situation
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By PAUL SHAPIRO FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA and WAYNE FLOWER, MELBOURNE CORRESPONDENT
Published: | Updated:
Follow Daily Mail Australia's live coverage of accused mushroom chef Erin Patterson's murder trial here.
Patterson invited family over for fateful lunch to 'discuss medical issues'
The jury heard how Patterson had invited Don and Gail for lunch about a month before the deadly lunch but neither got sick.
Simon was also invited but declined.
During the first lunch Patterson told her in-laws she had a 'lump in her elbow that needed testing'.
Days later, Gail texted Erin 'how the tests went at hospital' to which Erin replied: 'It went okay'.
Patterson said she had a needle biopsy and needed an MRI the following week.
Erin later invited Don and Gail, Simon and Heather and Ian over for the fateful lunch.
Patterson told Gail 'there was a bit to digest' about the medical test and wanted to talk in person, the jury heard.
Patterson told her guests the purpose of the lunch was to 'discuss medical issues' and how 'to break it to the kids'.
She insisted she didn't want the kids to attend the lunch, the court heard.
The jury were also told how the Wilkinsons were 'surprised at being invited'.
Details on family situation emerge
The jury has heard that Erin and Simon shared custody of their children and had been friendly.
Simon remained 'hopeful they would reunite someday' after their separation in 2015.
In 2022, he noticed a change in Erin, and she 'expressed concern' after he listed himself as 'separated' on a tax return.
The jury heard Erin wanted Simon to pay child support and school fees. The relationship also 'began to decline' and Erin changed the kids' school without consulting Simon (pictured below at his parents' service).
Court told how Erin and Simon's fateful paths met
The jury has heard Erin Patterson and her estranged husband, Simon, met while working at Monash Council together in the early 2000s.
The pair married in 2007, the year after Erin received a large inheritance in 2006.
The jury was told the couple split and reconciled several times but in late 2015 they separated permanently.
She later bought a five-bedroom house in Leongatha which included a butler's pantry.
It was at this house (pictured below) the prosecution alleged the poisoned beef Wellington was served.
Patterson appears teary eyed as jury enters court
Patterson appeared to be crying as the jury entered the courtroom prior to the prosecution reading out the allegations against the accused killer.
Justice Beale has reminded the jury about the 'charges at play and how they ought apply the law'.
Justice Beale also told the jury it 'isn't' for Patterson to prove she didn't intentionally serve a poisoned lunch.
Key moments of Patterson trial so far as court prepares to reopen
Day two of one the biggest murder trials in Victoria's history is about to commence with allegations as to how how and why Erin Patterson is alleged to have murdered three people and and attempted to murder a fourth.
Patterson, 50, will front the Victorian Supreme Court sitting at Morwell this morning where key aspects of the case against her will be read to the jury for the first time.
This follows the bombshell revelations three attempted murder charges pertaining to Patterson's esstranged husband, Simon, have been dropped.
The jury was also told Mr Patterson will be one of about 100 witnesses to give evidence during the estimated six-week trial.
An artist's impression of how Patterson (below) appeared at court on Tuesday.
Mystery motive behind alleged murders expected to be revealed to jury
The jury in the Erin Patterson trial is expected to be told a possible motive as to why the accused killer is alleged to have murdered her in-laws with a poisoned mushroom dish.
Patterson, 50, is accused of killing her former parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, after allegedly feeding them a deadly beef Wellington at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023.
Patterson is also charged with attempting to murder pastor Ian Wilkinson who survived the lunch after spending months in hospital.
Crown prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers is due to commence her opening shortly while Patterson's defence headed by Colin Mandy SC will be provided an opportunity to briefly explain his client's case.
Pictured below alleged murder victims: Heather Wilkinson (left) and Don and Gail Patterson.
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