Erin Patterson appeal: Mushroom killer must stay in jail forever for 'truly dreadful' crime, prosecutors say - BBC News

Prosecutors say Erin Patterson's sentence was "manifestly inadequate" as it allows for the possibility of parole.

Image source, ReutersImage caption, Erin Patterson attended the Court of Appeal via video link from prison

An Australian court has been told that the crimes of mushroom murderer Erin Patterson were "truly dreadful" and that she should never be allowed to leave prison.

Crown prosecutors are appealing against a sentence they call "manifestly inadequate" as it allows for the possibility of parole.

Patterson was jailed for life after killing three of her relatives and trying to kill another by serving them a beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms at her Victoria home in 2023.

The 51-year-old, who attended the Court of Appeal via video link from prison, will be eligible to be freed after 33 years.