Shock jocks Kyle Sandilands, Jackie O in hot water over comments on mushroom murderer Erin Patterson
Shock jocks Kyle and Jackie O have been referred by the judge overseeing the Erin Patterson trial for possible prosecution for contempt of court over on-air comments, including Kyle Sandilands telling his audience: “Lock that b**ch up.”
Patterson was on Monday found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder after serving death cap mushrooms to her lunch guests in a poisoned beef wellington in July 2023.
Justice Christopher Beale raised the comments of Sandilands and his co-host Jackie Henderson in the absence of the jury during the trial on June 16, telling the prosecution and defence teams that he would be referring the pair to the Office of Public Prosecutions.
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“This morning the presenters of the Kyle and Jackie O radio show commented on this case during a new segment on their show,” Justice Beale said at the time.
“I have read a transcript of that commentary. I encourage all commentators to engage their brains before they open their mouths, as they may otherwise land themselves and their organisations in hot water.
“I will be referring this morning’s matter to the Office of Public Prosecutions for contempt proceedings.
“Our media unit will continue to closely monitor all media in relation to commentary on this case, whether the commentary be shock jocks, so-called influencers, social media commentators or legacy media.”
The comments can be revealed after Patterson was convicted of poisoning Don and Gail Patterson, and Heather and Ian Wilkinson.
During the on-air segment, Sandilands and Henderson discussed the high-profile trial with a news presenter as the jury at the time prepared to consider its verdicts.
“Like, what does the evidence point to?” Henderson asked.
“My question is how strong is her case?”
“Not strong, not strong for her,” Sandilands replies.
The segment was heavily bleeped but Sandilands could be heard saying: “The rest of us already know … C’mon bro … Just lock that b**ch up.”
ARN Media, the owner of Kiss FM, has been contacted for comment.
Originally published as Shock jocks in hot water over mushroom killer comments
