The Director of Public Prosecutions plans to appeal the sentence given to Erin Patterson, who was convicted of murdering her in-laws and their relative. A spokesperson for the DPP confirmed on Monday that an application has been filed to contest Patterson's life sentence, which includes a non-parole period of 33 years. The DPP argues that this sentence is "manifestly inadequate."

On September 8, Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale sentenced Patterson to life in prison for the murders of Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. During the sentencing, Justice Beale rejected the prosecution's request for a life sentence without the possibility of parole. He noted that Patterson's case was so notorious that she would likely remain in restricted custody. Beale stated he had no doubt that her actions fell into the worst category of murder, while Patterson continues to assert her innocence.

The judge also commented on the absence of a clear motive for the murders, saying, "Some murders occur for no apparent reason, and only Patterson knows why she committed them."

The sentencing followed an 11-week trial in Morwell, where a jury found the 51-year-old guilty on all counts. This included the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, the only survivor of the lunch where Patterson served beef Wellingtons laced with toxic death cap mushrooms at her home in Leongatha in July 2023. Patterson's estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was also invited to the lunch but canceled the night before.

Last week, Patterson's new barrister, Richard Edney, informed the court that more time is needed to prepare the appeal against her conviction. The prosecution has 28 days from the sentencing date to file appeal documents, while the defense has a longer timeframe, with a new court directive allowing a 28-day extension due to the workload of some defense teams.

Patterson's sentence positions her among the longest-serving female inmates in Victoria. She will be 82 years old before she is eligible for parole in 2056. She has been in custody since her arrest by homicide detectives on November 2, 2024.