The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace

Lawyers for mushroom murderer Erin Patterson claim the jury could have been contaminated by a hotel blunder and that the killer was forced to take the stand. Her legal team have argued seven key issues in an attempt to have her convictions thrown out. 

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In this episode we bring you the court documents filed by the mushroom killer’s defence and the seven reasons why they are seeking an appeal.

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Erin Patterson’s new barrister tells the court his team needs more time to prepare an appeal case against the triple murderer’s conviction.

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Mushroom murderer Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life behind bars, with a minimum term of 33 years. She’ll be in her early eighties before she’s eligible for parole for the ‘horrendous’ crimes. 

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The prosecution calls for Erin Patterson to be handed a life sentence, without the possibility of parole. The court is also given a rare insight into the killer’s life in a maximum security prison cell, including the personal items she keeps.

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The only survivor of the deadly mushroom lunch says he forgives the woman who tried to kill him, pastor Ian Wilkinson telling the court ‘now I am no longer Erin Patterson’s victim, and she has become the victim of my kindness’. Speaking through tears the family she tried to destroy say they can not understand her murderous wrath.

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Erin Patterson returns to court to face the victims of her crimes. As part of the two day pre-sentence hearing in Melbourne we’ll be bringing you two episodes dedicated to what the family members say and the legal arguments.

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In this episode, Penny and Erin are joined by UK journalist Caroline Cheetham to hear her insights into the case that brought her to Australia.

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In this episode, Erin sits down with legendary reporter John 'Sly' Silvester to discuss the police investigation, the trial and women who kill.

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Criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallett and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro join Penny and Erin to analyse the killer's police interview. They share their insights into Erin Patterson's state of mind, her level of planning and what gives away her lies and deception.

Watch the full police interview on 9 News here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teHqwQuapsA

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Listen for the first time what the jury didn't hear, including Simon Patterson's claims his estranged wife was trying to kill him for years, secret poison papers found on her electronic devices and the killer's imaginary cat.

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Crime reporter for The Age, Marta Pascual Juanola joins host Erin Pearson to talk about bombshell updates from the Supreme Court. The judge sets down the pre-sentence hearing dates, as information never presented to the jury comes out.

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We sit down with barrister Nick Papas, KC, to chat about the unusual elements of this trial, the 'unfortunate' jury irregularity and what it's like to defend a killer.

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In the aftermath of the trial, Erin and Penny take listeners through their observations from the courtroom, things the jury didn’t see and just how big the global attention is.

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In an extended interview, Leongatha doctor and trial witness Christopher Webster sits down with our hosts to speak about his interactions with murderer Erin Patterson when she arrived on his hospital doorstep in the aftermath of the fatal lunch. It’s a case, he says, that’s changed his life forever.

Please be advised: This episode contains strong language.

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12 jurors have convicted Erin Patterson of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Come inside the courtroom as the verdict was handed down and hear some of the evidence for the first time.

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After 6 days of deliberations, the jury has returned with its verdicts. We bring you some of the reaction as it unfolded in Morwell. 

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After 40 trial days, the jury retires to deliberate. With two jurors balloted off, the remaining 12 are now sequestered, unable to return home. The judge gives them a final warning to avoid discussing the case with anyone outside the secure jury room.

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The final instructions to the jury, known as the judge’s charge, are underway. Justice Christopher Beale gives directions on the principles of law while also summarising parts of the evidence. He says the jurors, and only them, are the judges of the facts. 

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