Erin Patterson sentencing: ‘Unprecedented media coverage’ puts murderer at ‘significant risk’

Erin Patterson’s sentencing hearing has concluded, with Justice Christopher Beale noting the media’s forthcoming books, documentaries and TV series about the case will put the convicted murderer at “significant risk” for “many years to come”.

“I infer that given the unprecedented media coverage of your case, and the books, documentaries and TV series about you which are all in the pipeline, you are likely to remain a notorious prisoner for many years to come, and as such remain at significant risk from other prisoners,” Justice Beale said in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday morning.

Despite the ongoing risks and notoriety, Justice Beale noted that Patterson’s prolonged intent to kill, “substantial pre-meditation”, her lies to police, the lack of remorse, the “elaborate cover-up” of her guilt, and the substantial suffering and trauma of her direct and indirect victims, placed her offending into the “worst category”.

“Your offending involved an enormous betrayal of trust… [The victims] had all been good to you and your children over many years… Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinson’s health… you inflicted untold suffering of your own children,” the judge said.