Simon Patterson has appeared in court to give evidence against his estranged wife, Erin Patterson, marking their first face-to-face encounter since her arrest over the alleged murders of his parents and her aunt in July 2023. The court proceedings are taking place in Latrobe Valley Law Courts.

Erin Patterson, aged 50, stands accused of deliberately poisoning Don and Gail Patterson, Simon’s parents, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson. The poison, identified as death cap mushrooms, was reportedly served during a lunch at Erin’s home in Leongatha on 29 July 2023. Pastor Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband, was the only survivor of the meal, and Erin Patterson also faces charges of attempted murder concerning his alleged poisoning.

The court heard that the lunch invitation was extended by Erin Patterson during a church service on 16 July 2023. The stated purpose was to address “medical issues” and “how to break it to the kids,” which related to Patterson falsely claiming she had ovarian cancer. Simon Patterson was also invited despite their strained relationship, with Erin reportedly insisting on his attendance. However, Simon chose to withdraw the night before the luncheon, citing discomfort, a decision that reportedly upset his former wife. Erin texted Simon expressing her disappointment, stating that she had exerted considerable effort to prepare a ‘special meal’ and insisted that everyone attend.

During the court session, Simon Patterson, dressed in pink, appeared composed and showed no visible emotion as he took the witness box. The pair briefly made eye contact before Simon began his testimony. Simon had been slated to attend the fatal lunch but withdrew at the last moment—the jury was informed last week that three attempted murder charges related to Simon were withdrawn.

The prosecution, led by Dr Nanette Rogers, highlighted the nature of the relationship between Erin and Simon Patterson. They had remained in communication using the Signal messaging app until 2022, despite separating in 2015. Dr Rogers described their relationship as initially friendly post-separation, with Simon maintaining hope for a reconciliation. However, tensions rose when Simon updated his tax records to list himself as separated and when Erin sought child support and school fee payments. The court was told that Erin unilaterally changed the children’s school without consulting Simon.

In her opening statement, Dr Rogers told the jury that proving a motive was unnecessary for conviction, stating, “Motive is not something that has to be proven by the prosecution.” She elaborated that the prosecution would not be suggesting a particular motive, but instead aimed to prove that Erin Patterson had lured her family members to the lunch by falsely claiming she had cancer and served them poisoned mini beef Wellingtons. According to Dr Rogers, Erin did not consume any of the contaminated food herself, reportedly feigned illness, and ensured her children were not exposed to the poison.

Erin Patterson denies all allegations, pleading not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Her defence counsel, barrister Colin Mandy, SC, emphasised the significance of motive in the trial. “Did she have a motive to kill these four family members? That issue of intention is the critical issue in this trial,” Mandy said. He asserted that the defence case centres on the claim that the deaths were the result of a tragic accident, rather than deliberate action.

Simon Patterson is expected to face cross-examination by his wife’s legal team as the trial progresses. Further updates regarding the case will be reported as the proceedings continue. The Daily Mail is reporting.

Source: Noah Wire Services