Mushroom poisoner Erin Patterson's bizarre reaction as she's told she will likely die in jail

Mushroom killer Erin Patterson barely even blinked as she was told she was sentenced to life behind bars.

Patterson, 50, pleaded not guilty to the murders of Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson but after a nine-week trial a jury found her guilty of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

Ian Wilkinson, Heather's husband, spent weeks in hospital but survived after receiving a liver transplant. Sadly Don, Gail and Heather all died after consuming death cap mushrooms served in beef Wellingtons during lunch on July 29, 2023

On Monday September 8 Patterson appeared at the Supreme Court of Victoria to be sentenced. Dressed in a paisley top and tan jacket, Patterson appeared subdued, blinking profusely as her crimes were read aloud in court.

Wedged between two prison guards in the prison dock of courtroom four, she appeared to almost fall asleep as her sentence went on. Patterson was observed leaning back into her chair with her eyes closed throughout much of the sentence.

Upon leaving the court to begin her sentence, she tapped the desks being used by reporters as she walked past, reports MailOnline.

Justice Beale sentenced Patterson to the following:

• Attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson: 25 years in prison.
• Murder of Heather Wilkinson: life in prison.
• Murder of Don Patterson: life in prison.
• Murder of Gail Patterson: life in prison.

Full sentence: life with a non-parole period of 33 years.

Patterson will be taken back to the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, where she has been sentenced to spend at least the next 33 years of her life. Justice Beale said: "There is a substantial chance that for your protection you will continue to be held in solitary confinement for years to come."

She now has until October 6 to lodge an appeal against her conviction or sentence or both.

Standing on the steps of the Supreme Court on Monday September 8 Ian Wilkinson said he wants to thank the police, particularly the Homicide Squad and Detective Stephen Eppinstall.

He said: "They made a professional, efficient and effective investigation into what happened at the lunch. They brought to light the truth of what happened with the death of three good people."

Ian Wilkinson has thanked the health workers and services who treated him, his wife and Don and Gail Patterson. He said: "I'd like to encourage all those involved to keep turning up and serving others. Our lives and the life of our community depends on the kindness of others. I would like to encourage everybody to be kind to each other."

Ian Wilkinson has also thanked the Office of Public Prosecutions and Nanette Rogers. He said: "The court processes are a little bewildering to lay people like me and we are grateful for their expertise, their hard work and their perseverance that has secured this conviction. I'd also like to commend them for their kindness and compassion showed to us throughout this long process."

Ian Wilkinson concluded by thanking the "many people" from across Australia and around the world who have sent messages of support to his family. He left the court, asking for the media to respect his family's privacy as they continue to grieve and heal.

"Thank you for listening. I hope you all have a great day."