Patterson Trial: Estranged Husband’s Fears Revealed

New testimony details earlier alleged poisoning attempts

Melbourne’s Austin Hospital chapel became the setting for a devastating confession from Simon Patterson, estranged husband of Erin Patterson. Days after a fatal mushroom meal, Patterson reportedly revealed his long-held suspicions that his ex-partner had poisoned him.

Husband’s Allegations Surface

In a meeting with family members on August 2, 2023, Simon Patterson stated his belief that his earlier illnesses were caused by food prepared by Erin Patterson. He expressed regret for not voicing his concerns sooner, having initially believed he was her sole target.

The following day, Simon Patterson provided relatives with his medical records. This action by the Wilkinson family led to police involvement, initiating the investigation that led to the charges against Erin Patterson.

Earlier Poisoning Allegations

Prosecutors had previously alleged that Erin Patterson attempted to poison Simon Patterson on three separate occasions between 2021 and 2022. These alleged incidents involved meals including pasta, chicken curry, and a vegetable wrap.

During one of these alleged attempts, Simon Patterson required extensive hospitalisation, multiple surgeries, and had a portion of his bowel removed. His GP had advised him to keep a food diary due to recurring, unexplained severe illnesses, and Patterson had reportedly researched potential poisons.

These three attempted murder charges were eventually dropped before the trial commenced, following a court ruling that they could not be presented together.

Family Unease Before Fatal Meal

Concerns were reportedly present among some family members in the hours preceding the July 2023 lunch where deadly death cap mushrooms were served. Simon Patterson‘s sister, Anna Terrington, expressed her unease to her father, Don, but was reassured.

Dr. Chris Webster, who treated the victims, recalled being advised early in the case not to consider the illnesses as common food poisoning. He was reportedly told, “It looks like someone is trying to take out the church community.”

The testimony regarding the hospital chapel meeting and the earlier alleged poisonings was not presented to the jury due to court suppression orders, which have now been lifted.

These revelations emerge months after Erin Patterson was convicted of murdering Don and Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson, as well as attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson. The tragedy stemmed from a beef Wellington lunch contaminated with lethal death cap mushrooms at her home in Leongatha.

In 2023, there were over 60,000 food poisoning incidents reported in Australia, highlighting the public’s vulnerability to foodborne illnesses, though the scale of the Patterson case remains exceptionally rare (Food Standards Australia New Zealand).

Erin Patterson is scheduled for sentencing later this year.