Erin Patterson will appeal her convictions in a last ditch bid to try and escape a lifetime spent behind bars.
Representing Patterson in court on Thursday, her new lawyer Richard Edney confirmed she intended to seek leave to appeal the verdicts.
Patterson’s previous lawyer, Colin Mandy, SC did not represent Patterson.
Justice Beale agreed to the extension, while Patterson’s future court date remained unconfirmed.
Patterson was found guilty of the murders of Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson.
They died after consuming death cap mushrooms served in Beef Wellingtons during lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023.
Pastor Ian Wilkinson survived the lunch after being critically ill, with Patterson also convicted of his attempted murder.
Justice Beale sentenced Patterson to life in prison on September 8, but set a non-parole period of 33 years.
Given her age (50) and the 676 days she’s already spent in detention, this means Patterson will not be eligible to apply for parole until 2056, when she is in her 80s.
Justice Beale granted the non-parole period after Patterson’s barrister Colin Mandy, SC convinced him she would face a harder time behind bars locked in a ‘management unit’ for the foreseeable future.
In sentencing Patterson, Justice Beale decided to jail her for life after agreeing with prosecutors that her offending deserved the full penalty available under Victorian law.
Under Victorian law, 25 years is considered a life sentence.
‘Your failure to show any remorse pours salt into your victims’ wounds,’ Justice Beale said.
The court heard the respected judge found the matter of setting a parole date his toughest task.
Patterson’s victims had suffered a prolonged and agonising death after consuming the death cap mushrooms.
It is unknown how the once wealthy killer, who is believed to have now exhausted that wealth, would fund the appeal.
Daily Mail understands human rights lawyer Julian McMahon SC will takeover the case in appeal.
He has described himself as ‘looking after people who no-one else really wants to defend’.
He has previously acted for members of the Bali Nine and tried to challenge Australian citizen Van Tuong Nguyen’s execution by Singapore in 2005.
He was executed at Singapore’s Changi Prison after 396g of heroin was intercepted during a stopover as he attempted to board a Qantas flight back to Australia.
