Erin Patterson loses conviction appeal and is resentenced to life without parole

Victoria’s Court of Appeal rejected Erin Patterson’s challenge to her convictions for three murders and one attempted murder, and removed the 33-year non-parole period from her life sentence. The court found the original sentence did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the crimes; Patterson could seek leave to appeal to the High Court.

• Patterson was convicted of murdering Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson, and attempting to murder Heather’s husband, Ian, after serving a poisoned lunch in 2023.· 1 source
• The Court of Appeal dismissed Patterson’s challenge to her convictions and rejected the grounds raised by her lawyers.· 1 source
• The judges granted the prosecution’s appeal against the sentence, replacing life imprisonment with a 33-year non-parole period with life imprisonment without parole.· 1 source
• The court rejected the claim that jurors sharing a hotel with police and prosecution representatives caused a miscarriage of justice, while describing the arrangement as undesirable.· 1 source
• Patterson may apply to the High Court for leave to appeal; the supplied coverage says it is unclear whether her lawyers will do so.· 1 source