News

Erin Patterson’s murder trial over mushroom deaths begins

Erin Patterson’s trial begins today for allegedly murdering relatives with poisonous mushrooms in a fatal beef Wellington.

Published

9 months ago

April 29, 2025

Ahron Young

Erin Patterson’s trial begins today for allegedly murdering relatives with poisonous mushrooms in a fatal beef Wellington.

In Short

Erin Patterson’s murder trial begins today, where she is accused of poisoning her relatives with toxic mushrooms in a beef Wellington, resulting in three deaths.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is expected to last six weeks amid considerable media scrutiny.

Erin Patterson’s murder trial concerning alleged mushroom poisonings begins today. Prosecutors claim that Patterson murdered her relatives with a beef Wellington containing toxic mushrooms.

The trial follows the deaths of three people after the July 2023 lunch where the meal was served.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder. The deceased include Don and Gail Patterson, who were the parents of Patterson’s estranged husband, and Heather Wilkinson, Gail’s sister.

Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband, was the only attendee who survived the meal after spending time in hospital.

Jury selection

The jury for the trial will be selected from the local area around Morwell, approximately an hour’s drive from Leongatha, the location of the lunch. The empanelment process will take place this morning, with the jury to receive instructions from Judge Christopher Beale.

Following this, opening statements from both the prosecution and defence teams will be presented.

This case has garnered significant media attention and is anticipated to last for up to six weeks.

News

Ukraine and Russia set for U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Published

9 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that new peace talks with Russia will take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. The discussions are part of U.S.-led efforts to find a path toward ending the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is prepared for meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving peace. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the timing of the meeting.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described prior discussions with Russian officials as productive, though major disagreements over territorial issues remain unresolved.

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News

Tensions rise as Iran threatens conflict and U.S. increases naval forces

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Published

10 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Iran has warned of a potential regional conflict if the U.S. launches an attack, while labelling European armies as terrorists. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that threats from President Trump will not intimidate the Iranian people.

The U.S. has ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East in response to mounting threats, amid speculation over Iran’s next moves. Iranian officials have denied claims of imminent naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to global uncertainty.

#MiddleEastCrisis #IranUS #Geopolitics #NavalTensions #Trump #AyatollahKhamenei #EuropeanUnion #GlobalConflict

News

Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Published

10 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Carlos Alcaraz has stunned the tennis world by winning the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

The world number one beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set match, finishing 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic missed out on claiming his 25th Grand Slam title. To mark the milestone, Alcaraz revealed he plans to add a new tattoo of a kangaroo on his leg, joining his existing Eiffel Tower and Wimbledon strawberry tattoos.

#CarlosAlcaraz #AustralianOpen #GrandSlam #TennisHistory #NovakDjokovic #SportsNews #TennisTattoo #YoungChampion