IN A sensational development on day one of the triple murder trial of Erin Patterson, 50 of Leongatha, the prosecution has dropped the four attempted murder charges where Ms Patterson’s estranged husband Simon Patterson was the alleged victim.
Three charges of murder, where Ms Patterson’s in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson are the alleged victims of a lunch in Leongatha on Saturday, July 29, 2023 (referred to by Justice Beale in his directions) will continue, as well as the attempted murder charge relating to Ms Wilkinson’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, who also attended the lunch but later recovered in hospital.
Ms Patterson has continued to maintain her innocence of all charges.
On Tuesday, April 28, before His Honour Justice Beale, empanelment of the 15 jurors selected for the trial, 12 sitting in the court and three reserves, was completed and the trial proper commenced with jury instructions by Justice Beale.
As well as instructing the jury on their exclusive role to decide the facts in the case, he outlined that Ms Patterson was facing three murder charges and one charge of attempted murder.
“She has pleaded not guilty to those charges,” said Justice Beale.
The opening remarks by Dr Nanette Rogers SC for the prosecution and Mr Colin Mandy SC for the defence are expected to be delivered from 10.30am on Wednesday, April 30.
