Australia mushroom trial live: Erin Patterson tells court she thought beef wellington recipe was ‘the perfect dish’ for dried mushrooms
GuardianMAY 30
Australian Mushroom Murder Trial: Patterson Testifies About Serving Meal to Her Children
Above: A generic photo of death cap mushrooms. Image copyright: De Agostini/Contributor/De Agostini via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Patterson's inconsistent testimony — denying knowledge of death cap mushrooms despite internet searches, contradicting hospital staff about her visit, and disputing plate usage — undermines her credibility. Coupled with physical evidence of poisoned Wellingtons, her shifting story points strongly toward guilt.
Narrative B
While it may seem Patterson is done for in this trial, it's important to remember that she apparently fed herself and her children the same meal. A jury might be swayed by this, seeing it as evidence of a tragic accident rather than intent, especially since she also ate the beef Wellington and fell ill.