Dayo Ade Olusola|M10news|World News|25 August 2025
The only person to survive the deadly lunch poisoned with death cap mushrooms has expressed in court that he feels “half alive” without his beloved wife.
Ian Wilkinson gave a moving statement at Erin Patterson’s pre-sentencing hearing in Melbourne, astonishing the courtroom by offering forgiveness to the woman found guilty of killing his relatives.
Patterson, 50, served a beef Wellington tainted with lethal mushrooms to three members of her estranged husband’s family in July 2023 at her rural home in Victoria.
The victims were Don Patterson, 70; his wife Gail, 70; and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66.
Wilkinson was the only person to survive the meal and spent several weeks in a medically induced coma following the poisoning.
Patterson faced three murder charges and one count of attempted murder, which she denied.
In July 2025, after six days of deliberation, a jury at Australia’s Supreme Court found her guilty on all counts.
She now faces the possibility of life imprisonment.
In court, Wilkinson spoke tearfully about his late wife Heather, describing her as “compassionate, intelligent, brave, and witty — a truly beautiful soul who loved sharing life with those around her.”
He reflected on Heather’s kindness and willingness to help others, emphasizing the joy she brought to anyone in her company.
“I feel only half alive without her,” he said, explaining the difficulty of continuing daily life in her absence.
Wilkinson said returning to work and managing household responsibilities without Heather’s guidance has been deeply challenging.
“Even ordinary tasks, like tending the house or garden, no longer bring joy,” he added.
He said his hope of being reunited with Heather in the afterlife provides some comfort.
Wilkinson also spoke about the profound impact of Patterson’s actions on their children.
“Heather believed her greatest achievement was raising our children well,” he said, acknowledging the long-lasting emotional scars they have suffered.
He paid tribute to Don and Gail Patterson, describing them as “good, solid people” whose support enriched his life for decades.
“Their loss leaves a void that cannot be filled,” he said.
During the statement, Patterson appeared visibly emotional, reflecting the weight of Wilkinson’s words.
He criticized the focus society often places on offenders rather than the victims, calling it a “shortcoming.”
“The silence in our home is a constant reminder of the consequences of her actions,” he said.
Wilkinson questioned the reasoning behind Patterson’s decision to commit murder, expressing disbelief at her choices.
Despite his grief, he offered Patterson forgiveness in a surprising turn.
“I hold no ill will toward her. I pray she uses her time in prison to reflect and grow,” he said.
“Now, she is no longer my victim. She is the recipient of my compassion,” he added.
A statement from Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was also read in court.
Simon explained that, although separated in 2015, they remain legally married and share children.
He reflected on the deaths of his parents and aunt, finding solace in his belief that they are with God.
Simon also highlighted the suffering of their children, who have lost grandparents and face the challenge of growing up with only one parent.
“They have been robbed of the hope and parental guidance every child deserves,” he said.
He criticized court restrictions that limited communication with family and the intrusive media attention during the trial.
The Wilkinsons’ daughter, Ruth Dubois, addressed the court, describing her mother Heather as “an inspiring example whose values I strive to uphold.”
Ruth said she struggled to comprehend how Patterson could deliberately take such destructive action.
“The fact that she chose to go through with this is incomprehensible,” she said.
The pre-sentencing hearing marked Patterson’s first public appearance since her conviction last month.
Prosecutors did not provide a clear motive but pointed to tensions between Patterson and her estranged husband, as well as lingering frustration toward his parents.
They highlighted the calculated nature of her crimes, including evidence disposal and deception of authorities afterward.
Patterson’s defense lawyer, Colin Mandy, acknowledged her serious offenses and made no plea for a sentence shorter than life imprisonment.
It was noted in court that Patterson may have a form of autism, which could make prison particularly challenging for her.
Her sentencing is scheduled for September 8, 2025.
