logo
Mushroom murder trial: Erin Patterson guilty after serving relatives toxic death cap mushroom lunch

Mushroom murder trial: Erin Patterson guilty after serving relatives toxic death cap mushroom lunch

ITV News2 days ago
Erin Patterson has been found guilty of triple murder after serving her estranged husband's family poisonous mushrooms, as ITV News' Fred Dimbleby reports
Australian woman Erin Patterson has been found guilty of murdering three of her estranged husband's relatives by deliberately serving them poisonous death cap mushrooms.
The jury returned a verdict after six days of deliberations, following a nine-week trial that gripped Australia and media worldwide.
She faces life in prison and will be sentenced at a later date, although no hearing has been scheduled yet.
Patterson showed no emotion as the verdicts came back guilty, but blinked rapidly as they were read.
She was also found guilty of attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson, who survived the meal.
The deaths of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson shocked the quiet Australian town of Leongatha, Victoria, and quickly captured both national and international attention.
At the centre of the tragedy was a seemingly innocuous family lunch on July 29, 2023, hosted by Erin Patterson, who had invited her former in-laws, Don and Gail (the parents of her estranged husband, Simon Patterson), along with Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson and Heather's husband, Ian.
Patterson, who shares two children with Simon, prepared a homemade beef wellington, a meal that would soon become the focus of a months-long murder investigation.
The dish allegedly contained death cap mushrooms, one of the world's deadliest fungi.
All four guests fell critically ill within 24 hours.
Three later died in hospital, while Ian Wilkinson required a liver transplant after spending nearly two months recovering, including time in intensive care.
Patterson initially denied wrongdoing, claiming she accidentally used a mix of mushrooms sourced from an Asian grocery store and dried fungi, which she said were gifted by a friend.
However, police alleged inconsistencies in her account, including the disposal of a food dehydrator and deleted digital records, which became key points of scrutiny during the trial.
Throughout the proceedings, the case stirred debate across Australia.
The lack of clear motive, paired with public fascination and tabloid fervour, made the trial one of the most closely followed in recent Australian criminal history.
What were the key moments in the trial?
The prosecution alleged Patterson deliberately served a poisoned meal to her estranged in-laws and extended family. They argue she prepared a special untainted portion for herself.
The defence argued the poisonings were a tragic accident, claiming Patterson unknowingly used contaminated mushrooms, became ill herself, and panicked afterwards, out of fear she would be wrongly blamed.
Here are the key points of evidence the trial discussed:
Food dehydrator: Patterson purchased a food dehydrator on April 28, 2023, just two hours after a known sighting of death cap mushrooms was posted online near Loch. The prosecution alleges she saw the post and collected mushrooms that day. Patterson testified she purchased the dehydrator to preserve and dry mushrooms, which she regularly stored in containers in her pantry to use later in cooking.
Phone location: Cell tower data places her near Outtrim on May 22, 2023, shortly after death caps were recorded growing there. The prosecution claims this supports the theory she foraged for mushrooms twice during the short toxic season. Patterson admitted to using a mixture of store-bought mushrooms and dried ones from her pantry, but insists she never intentionally included toxic mushrooms and did not forage near Loch or Outtrim. The defence argues that mobile tower data can be imprecise and may show signals from within her home, undermining the claim that she traveled to foraging locations.
Fake cancer: Patterson admitted during the trial that she lied to the lunch guests and lured them to the meal under the pretext that she had cancer and needed their support whilst she underwent surgery. The prosecution argues this lie was invented to cover her true motivations and reduce suspicion, suggesting she never expected them to survive the meal. The defence claims Patterson in reality was making plans to have gastric bypass surgery, in a bid to take control over concerns she had about her weight but was too embarrassed to share this with her guests.
Different plates: Survivor Ian Wilkinson told the court that all guests were served on grey plates, while Patterson used an orange one - implying she knew not to eat the poisoned food. Patterson claimed she prepared only one batch of beef wellington and ate the same meal as her guests, she denied reserving a safe portion for herself. She claimed she does not own grey plates.
Orange cake: After guests left, Patterson claims she ate large amounts of orange cake brought by her former mother-in-law, Gail Patterson, claiming she struggles with an eating disorder. Prosecutors challenged her claim that she made herself vomit afterwards, arguing that self‑induced vomiting would not eliminate the lethal amanitin toxin. Patterson told the court that she started to develop gastro-like symptoms hours after the lunch and took herself to hospital to receive fluids two days later.
Withheld information: When Patterson was hospitalised with symptoms, she initially did not inform doctors that any remnants of foraged mushrooms may have been in the meal, something prosecutors say could have helped save lives. She testified that she did not immediately connect her own gastrointestinal symptoms with mushroom poisoning.
CCTV disposal: On August 2, days after the fatal lunch, Patterson was seen on CCTV dumping the dehydrator. Prosecutors argue this was a deliberate attempt to destroy crucial evidence. Forensic analysis revealed remnants of death cap mushrooms inside the appliance. Patterson says she discarded and lied about the dehydrator not to hide evidence but out of panic after child protection services contacted her, fearing it could be used to justify taking her children away.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Police Officer says he was 'professional' in Manchester airport incident with brothers
Police Officer says he was 'professional' in Manchester airport incident with brothers

ITV News

time4 hours ago

  • ITV News

Police Officer says he was 'professional' in Manchester airport incident with brothers

A police firearms officer allegedly assaulted by two brothers at Manchester Airport has told a jury his behaviour on the day of the incident was 'professional'. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, are said to have struck out after police were called to respond to a reported assault at the Starbucks cafe in Terminal 2 arrivals on July 23 2024, when Amaaz is said to have headbutted a customer. PC Zachary Marsden was one of three officers who shortly after approached Amaaz in T2's car park paystation area with a view to arrest him, Liverpool Crown Court has heard. The Crown say Amaaz resisted and his brother then intervened as they subjected the three officers to a 'high level of violence'. Cross-examining PC Marsden on Tuesday, Imran Khan KC, defending Amaaz, said: 'It is his case that last year on July 23 you made a series of mistakes, some or all which were not in accordance with your police training which ultimately resulted in your conduct falling below the professional standards required of a police officer. 'And you used unlawful force against him, leaving him to defend himself and his brother.' Mr Khan added: 'You went in, all three of you, and held on to Mr Amaaz which rendered your actions unlawful because the force used was unjustified, disproportionate and not necessary.' Jurors heard that PC Marsden has served Greater Manchester Police for about five years following a spell as a special constable with Lancashire Constabulary. The officer had regular duties at the airport as an authorised firearms officers since April 2023. Mr Khan asked him: 'As far as you personally are concerned, how would you characterise your performance as a police officer in general?' PC Marsden said: 'Professional.' Mr Khan said: 'In relation to the events we are dealing with, how would you assess your performance as a police officer that day?' PC Marsden repeated: 'Professional.' Mr Khan said: 'Having looked at the CCTV, do you consider there were any aspects of your performance that fell below the standards required of a police officer that day?' 'No, said PC Marsden. PC Marsden said he had received a report of 'two Asian males fighting outside Starbucks' and on arrival was told by a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, that he had been headbutted by a male in a blue tracksuit who had made off towards the car park. Mr Khan said: 'You potentially had two suspects or two victims. 'It appears you were taking Mr Ismaeil's word for it?' PC Marsden replied: 'It's unfortunate I was not able to talk to the male in blue as he attacked me before I could engage in any form of communication.' He said his plan was to escort the suspect from the crowd in the paystation area and to arrest him outside where he would have radio signal and a 'line of sight' of his colleagues. Mr Khan suggested that announcing his presence as a police officer as he entered the area would have been 'one of the better options', PC Marsden said: 'I did not deem that to be a safe option. 'My honestly held belief was that it was not appropriate to explain our attendance in the hope that he would comply and leave with us. 'Based on my policing experience, someone who has been violent once is more likely to be violent again when challenged.' Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden and PC Lydia Ward, causing them actual bodily harm. He is also accused of the assault of PC Ellie Cook and the earlier assault of Mr Ismaeil. Amaad is alleged to have assaulted PC Marsden, causing actual bodily harm. Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations. Mr Khan said to PC Marsden: 'Is the position this, that throughout the incident the force you used was justified, proportionate and reasonable?' 'Yes,' said PC Marsden. The witness said he was met with initial resistance from Amaaz so decided to put his hand on the back of the suspect's neck and push him downwards to knock him off balance. Mr Khan said: 'Had you considered that might be frightening to Mr Amaaz, what you were doing?' PC Marsden said: 'No. My concerns were my safety and my colleagues' safety.' As the second defendant intervened the officer threw two punches, the court heard. Mr Khan said: 'You are the first person to throw any blows in this incident, aren't you?' PC Marsden said: 'A pre-emptive strike, yes.' Explaining why he later kicked Amaaz to the head while he was on the floor, PC Marsden told the court: 'I had to act fast. I could see him getting off the floor. 'I wanted to stun him to buy valuable seconds and go down and make an arrest.' Mr Khan said: 'It was not necessary for you to kick his head.' PC Marsden said: 'I disagree.' Mr Khan said: 'You must have been furious at this point.' PC Marsden: 'They are your words, not mine.' Mr Khan said: 'You had been grabbed around the neck, you had blows rained upon you. Do you think the red mist must have fallen on your eyes?' 'No,' said PC Marsden. Mr Khan said: 'It was a pretty hard kick, wasn't it?' Mr Khan said: 'This was red mist. You had lost control. This was gratuitous.' PC Marsden said: 'No it wasn't.'

Pc in airport incident with brothers tells court conduct was ‘professional'
Pc in airport incident with brothers tells court conduct was ‘professional'

Glasgow Times

time5 hours ago

  • Glasgow Times

Pc in airport incident with brothers tells court conduct was ‘professional'

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, are said to have struck out after police were called to respond to a reported assault at the Starbucks cafe in Terminal 2 arrivals on July 23 last year, when Amaaz is said to have headbutted a customer. Pc Zachary Marsden was one of three officers who shortly after approached Amaaz in T2's car park paystation area with a view to arrest him, Liverpool Crown Court has heard. The Crown say Amaaz resisted and his brother then intervened as they subjected the three officers to a 'high level of violence'. Cross-examining Pc Marsden on Tuesday, Imran Khan KC, defending Amaaz, said: 'It is his case that last year on July 23 you made a series of mistakes, some or all which were not in accordance with your police training which ultimately resulted in your conduct falling below the professional standards required of a police officer. 'And you used unlawful force against him, leaving him to defend himself and his brother.' The trial is being heard at Liverpool crown court (Dave Thompson/PA) Mr Khan added: 'You went in, all three of you, and held on to Mr Amaaz which rendered your actions unlawful because the force used was unjustified, disproportionate and not necessary.' Jurors heard that Pc Marsden has served Greater Manchester Police for about five years following a spell as a special constable with Lancashire Constabulary. The officer had regular duties at the airport as an authorised firearms officers since April 2023. Mr Khan asked him: 'As far as you personally are concerned, how would you characterise your performance as a police officer in general?' Pc Marsden said: 'Professional.' Mr Khan said: 'In relation to the events we are dealing with, how would you assess your performance as a police officer that day?' Pc Marsden repeated: 'Professional.' Mr Khan said: 'Having looked at the CCTV, do you consider there were any aspects of your performance that fell below the standards required of a police officer that day?' 'No, said Pc Marsden. Pc Marsden said he had received a report of 'two Asian males fighting outside Starbucks' and on arrival was told by a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, that he had been headbutted by a male in a blue tracksuit who had made off towards the car park. Mr Khan said: 'You potentially had two suspects or two victims. 'It appears you were taking Mr Ismaeil's word for it?' Pc Marsden replied: 'It's unfortunate I was not able to talk to the male in blue as he attacked me before I could engage in any form of communication.' He said his plan was to escort the suspect from the crowd in the paystation area and to arrest him outside where he would have radio signal and a 'line of sight' of his colleagues. Mr Khan suggested that announcing his presence as a police officer as he entered the area would have been 'one of the better options', Pc Marsden said: 'I did not deem that to be a safe option. 'My honestly held belief was that it was not appropriate to explain our attendance in the hope that he would comply and leave with us. 'Based on my policing experience, someone who has been violent once is more likely to be violent again when challenged.' Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden and Pc Lydia Ward, causing them actual bodily harm. He is also accused of the assault of Pc Ellie Cook and the earlier assault of Mr Ismaeil. Amaad is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden, causing actual bodily harm. Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations. Mr Khan said to Pc Marsden: 'Is the position this, that throughout the incident the force you used was justified, proportionate and reasonable?' 'Yes,' said Pc Marsden. The witness said he was met with initial resistance from Amaaz so decided to put his hand on the back of the suspect's neck and push him downwards to knock him off balance. Mr Khan said: 'Had you considered that might be frightening to Mr Amaaz, what you were doing?' Pc Marsden said: 'No. My concerns were my safety and my colleagues' safety.' As the second defendant intervened the officer threw two punches, the court heard. Mr Khan said: 'You are the first person to throw any blows in this incident, aren't you?' Pc Marsden said: 'A pre-emptive strike, yes.'

Pc in airport incident with brothers tells court conduct was ‘professional'
Pc in airport incident with brothers tells court conduct was ‘professional'

South Wales Guardian

time6 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Pc in airport incident with brothers tells court conduct was ‘professional'

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, are said to have struck out after police were called to respond to a reported assault at the Starbucks cafe in Terminal 2 arrivals on July 23 last year, when Amaaz is said to have headbutted a customer. Pc Zachary Marsden was one of three officers who shortly after approached Amaaz in T2's car park paystation area with a view to arrest him, Liverpool Crown Court has heard. The Crown say Amaaz resisted and his brother then intervened as they subjected the three officers to a 'high level of violence'. Cross-examining Pc Marsden on Tuesday, Imran Khan KC, defending Amaaz, said: 'It is his case that last year on July 23 you made a series of mistakes, some or all which were not in accordance with your police training which ultimately resulted in your conduct falling below the professional standards required of a police officer. 'And you used unlawful force against him, leaving him to defend himself and his brother.' Mr Khan added: 'You went in, all three of you, and held on to Mr Amaaz which rendered your actions unlawful because the force used was unjustified, disproportionate and not necessary.' Jurors heard that Pc Marsden has served Greater Manchester Police for about five years following a spell as a special constable with Lancashire Constabulary. The officer had regular duties at the airport as an authorised firearms officers since April 2023. Mr Khan asked him: 'As far as you personally are concerned, how would you characterise your performance as a police officer in general?' Pc Marsden said: 'Professional.' Mr Khan said: 'In relation to the events we are dealing with, how would you assess your performance as a police officer that day?' Pc Marsden repeated: 'Professional.' Mr Khan said: 'Having looked at the CCTV, do you consider there were any aspects of your performance that fell below the standards required of a police officer that day?' 'No, said Pc Marsden. Pc Marsden said he had received a report of 'two Asian males fighting outside Starbucks' and on arrival was told by a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, that he had been headbutted by a male in a blue tracksuit who had made off towards the car park. Mr Khan said: 'You potentially had two suspects or two victims. 'It appears you were taking Mr Ismaeil's word for it?' Pc Marsden replied: 'It's unfortunate I was not able to talk to the male in blue as he attacked me before I could engage in any form of communication.' He said his plan was to escort the suspect from the crowd in the paystation area and to arrest him outside where he would have radio signal and a 'line of sight' of his colleagues. Mr Khan suggested that announcing his presence as a police officer as he entered the area would have been 'one of the better options', Pc Marsden said: 'I did not deem that to be a safe option. 'My honestly held belief was that it was not appropriate to explain our attendance in the hope that he would comply and leave with us. 'Based on my policing experience, someone who has been violent once is more likely to be violent again when challenged.' Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden and Pc Lydia Ward, causing them actual bodily harm. He is also accused of the assault of Pc Ellie Cook and the earlier assault of Mr Ismaeil. Amaad is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden, causing actual bodily harm. Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store