Erin Patterson mushroom murder trial LIVE updates: Judge gives instruction jury must disregard major argument as trial hits final days

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

22:15
Patterson judge tells jury when it's their time to decide accused killer's fate
Justice Christopher Beale commenced his address to the jury - or 'charge' - on Tuesday after giving jurors a four-day weekend to prepare for the closing stage of the marathon Erin Patterson murder trial.
On Thursday, Justice Beale indicated that his address will conclude on Monday and then two jurors will be balloted out before the remaining 12 decide Patterson's fate,
Patterson, 50, is accused of murdering her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, after allegedly serving them a beef Wellington lunch made with death cap mushrooms.
Patterson is also accused of attempting to murder Heather's husband, pastor Ian Wilkinson, who survived the lunch after spending several weeks in an intensive care unit.
The court heard Patterson's estranged husband, Simon (pictured), was also invited to the gathering at her home in Leongatha, in Victoria's Gippsland region, but didn't attend.
Witnesses told the jury that Patterson ate her serving from a smaller, differently-coloured plate to those of her guests, who ate off four grey plates.
Patterson told authorities she bought dried mushrooms from an unnamed Asian store in the Monash area of Melbourne, but health inspectors could find no evidence of this.
22:16
Patterson wanted to be 'truthful and accurate' about mushroom source
Patterson agreed she never mentioned dried mushrooms to Dr Webster but she did mention them when phoned by Matthew Patterson later.
The jury heard Patterson said she knew it was important to be 'truthful and accurate' because she knew Don's health was at stake
Justice Beale said Patterson gave evidence she later provided more information on the mushrooms to other doctors.
Patterson also agreed she told paramedics she spoke of the dried mushrooms but couldn't remember where she'd got them.
The jury heard Patterson agreed she told several others she believed she bought the mushrooms from an Asian grocer.
Patterson claimed on August 1, while at the Monash Medical Centre, she mentioned to Ms Cripps several locations where she may have purchased the dried mushrooms.
Justice Beale also said Patterson accepted the mushroom source was a 'public emergency' while the jury was reminded about the various different locations Patterson told different people.
22:15
Jury told about Patterson's 'alleged incriminating conduct'
Towards the end of Wednesday's proceedings, Justice Beale spoke to the jury about the topic of Patterson's 'alleged incriminating conduct'.
'The prosecution (Crown prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers SC pictured) argued Patterson knew she was guilty and did what she did to conceal her guilt,' Justice Beale said.
However, Justice Beale told the jury the defence has reasons for Patterson's behaviour.
'The defence claimed there were innocent explanations for that behaviour,' he added.
Justice Beale listed some of that alleged 'incriminating' conduct:
1. She lied about being unwell after the lunch
2. Patterson lied about the Asian grocer mushrooms
3. She refused treatment at hospital and left against medical advice
4. She had reluctance to accept treatment the second time at hospital
5. Patterson was reluctant to get kids treated on July 31
6. Why would she have fed the kids leftovers?
7. She reset Phone B multiple times on August 2
8. She dumped the dehydrator
9. On August 5, she provided Phone B instead of Phone A
10. Patterson lied to cops about her phone number
11. She lied about foraging
12. She lied about owning a dehydrator
Justice Beale has been going through the topics listed with the jury.