Erin Patterson, a woman from Leongatha, was on trial for the murders of her parents and a friend during a lunch that featured a deadly dish: a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms. The trial, which concluded in Morwell, centered on the alleged poisoning of the victims through the mushroom-laden meal. However, the legal process also involved a series of complex decisions and challenges that significantly impacted the case. Simon Patterson, Erin's estranged husband, was a central figure in the trial. He had suffered multiple unexplained illnesses, which he suspected were the result of poisoning by Erin. Simon had raised concerns about Erin's actions, even to the point of removing her as his medical power of attorney and tracking his meals in a spreadsheet. Despite these actions, he did not warn his parents or other family members about the potential danger before they attended the fateful lunch on July 29, 2023. During the trial, evidence emerged that suggested Erin had access to information about toxic substances. An article about barium carbonate, a form of rat poison, was found on Erin's computer around the time Simon fell ill in September 2022. This discovery was significant, as it raised questions about the source of Simon's symptoms and whether Erin had been experimenting with poisons. Legal proceedings were complicated by the decision to 'sever' the charges related to Simon from the main trial involving the deaths of his parents and their friend. This decision, made by Justice Christopher Beale, meant that the jury in the lunch trial did not hear evidence related to Simon's prior illnesses or the concerns he had raised. The charges against Erin related to Simon were ultimately dropped by the Office of Public Prosecutions after the trial had already begun. Simon, who was present in court as a witness, expressed frustration over the legal process. He described the experience as emotionally difficult, particularly due to the way the charges related to him were handled. He also mentioned that he felt there were aspects of the case that he was not allowed to discuss, which added to his sense of helplessness. The trial highlighted the complexities of the legal system, the challenges of proving poisoning, and the emotional toll on those involved. Erin Patterson was found guilty of the murders of her parents and their friend, with the trial concluding with a conviction that brought a measure of closure to the victims' families, even as it left many questions about the full extent of Erin's actions unanswered.