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 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.

When advising the new jury that the charges of attempted murder relating to Simon Patterson had been “discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions”, in other words those charges have been dropped, Justice Beale instructed the jurors to put them out of their mind, especially if they had previously been aware of charges in relation to Ms Patterson’s estranged husband.

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.