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Heather Wilkinson’s daughter Ruth Dubois said it was “difficult” to comprehend how Erin Patterson could spend months planning her actions out. Credit: Jason Edwards/AAPIMAGE
Patterson’s lunch guests were taken to hospital, with Don, Gail and Heather dying days after the meal. She invited her estranged husband, Simon, to the deadly gathering, but he declined the night before.
“Like everyone else, she had faults but actively sought to overcome them so she could live peacefully and constructively with all people,” he said.
He said he praised God for his “miraculous healing” and said he had forgiven Patterson for the harm she inflicted on him.
Ian Wilkinson was the sole survivor of the lunch at Erin Patterson’s Leongatha home in 2023. Source: AAP / James Ross
“I make an offer of forgiveness to Erin,” Wilkinson said.
“Now, she has become the victim of my kindness,” he said.
‘New threat to our lives’: Simon Patterson
“The need to perpetually watch for strangers … has introduced a new threat to our lives.”
Simon Patterson did not attend Monday’s pre-sentencing hearing, with his statement read out by a family member. Source: AAP / Diego Fedele
Patterson said his estranged wife had “robbed” their two children of their grandparents, and now they must face what she had done.
‘Hard to comprehend’ Patterson’s actions
Dubois said it was “difficult” to comprehend how Erin Patterson could spend months planning her actions out.
Heather Wilkinson (left) and Don and Gail Patterson (right), died in hospital after eating a poisonous beef Wellington meal. Credit: Supplied
“And then to carry on with normal life, all while knowing what tremendous harm was being caused,” Dubois said.
The hearing is expected to span two days. A date for Patterson’s sentencing could be set at the hearing. She potentially faces life in prison.
