Poisoned beef Wellington survivor takes the stand in Erin Patterson triple-murder trial
The sole survivor of a death cap mushroom-laced beef Wellington lunch cooked by accused triple murderer Erin Patterson is giving evidence.
Korumburra Baptist Church pastor Ian Wilkinson, 71, was one of four guests invited to Patterson’s home in the regional town of Leongatha, in Victoria’s southeast, on July 29 2023.
His wife Heather Wilkinson, 66, her sister Gail Patterson and brother-in-law Don, both aged 70, all died in hospital after being diagnosed with death cap mushroom poisoning.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mr Wilkinson, wearing a grey shirt and black vest, locked eyes with Patterson as he walked to the witness stand about 11am on Tuesday.
Mr Wilkinson was taken to hospital with his wife the day after the meal as he was suffering the same symptoms as the other guests, including vomiting and diarrhoea.
Despite being critically ill, he eventually recovered and was discharged after spending almost two months in hospital.
Mr Wilkinson was called as a prosecution witness on day six of Erin Patterson’s murder trial at the Supreme Court sitting in Latrobe Valley court in Morwell.
The 50-year-old mother of two has pleaded not guilty to three murder charges and the alleged attempted murder of Mr Wilkinson.
Patterson claims the incident was “a tragic and terrible accident”, and while she admitted cooking and serving the beef Wellington, she did not know the mushrooms were poisonous.
The jury of 15 has already heard from Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon, who spent almost three days in the witness box.
Simon, who pulled out of the lunch after telling Patterson he felt “too uncomfortable”, detailed how she had interacted with him and his family in the months and years before the fatal meal.
Three of Patterson’s online friends, whom she met through a true crime Facebook group, told the jury on Monday about her reputation as a “super sleuth”.
They also said Patterson had discussed her love of mushrooms, her excitement about purchasing a dehydrator, and asked for advice on how to prepare a beef Wellington in the weeks before the lunch.
The trial before Justice Christopher Beale continues.
