Erin Patterson Isolated and Unpopular in Prison, Advocates Say

Isolation and Mental Health Concerns at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre

Patterson is being kept in near-constant isolation at the prison west of Melbourne, according to advocacy group Justice Action. Her daily conditions involve confinement to her cell for at least 22 hours, with approved contact limited to just one other prisoner through a wire mesh during brief yard time. “She’s a frightened woman, understandably so,” Collins told AAP on Friday, adding that her unfamiliarity with being around people prior to her incarceration increases the risk of permanent psychological damage. The advocacy group argues that her treatment is tantamount to torture and violates United Nations rules named after Nelson Mandela, which state that an individual should not spend more than 15 consecutive days in solitary confinement. Justice Action has offered to provide Patterson with a trained peer support mentor at no cost to the state to help mitigate psychiatric risks.

Prisoner Hostility and Sentencing Context

Patterson’s chosen method of murder has created friction with other inmates at the facility. According to Collins, the nature of her crimes has made her particularly unpopular among female prisoners. “What they’re arguing is that other prisoners are hating her because of what she did,” Collins said, noting that expectations of trust within families amplified the backlash. The now 51-year-old was convicted of murdering three former extended relatives by serving them beef Wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms at a lunch in July 2023. When sentencing Patterson, Justice Christopher Beale made her eligible for parole only after serving 33 years behind bars. Justice Beale explicitly cited the extended period Patterson was expected to spend in solitary confinement due to the severe risks she faced from other inmates as a factor in his considerations. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Community Safety stated that while the agency does not comment on individual prisoners or their placements, all inmates have regular contact with prison staff, health professionals, lawyers, and chaplains.