For the first time in Victorian judicial history, the Supreme Court will livestream a criminal sentencing when Justice Christopher Beale hands down Erin Patterson’s sentence on Monday, 8 September 2025. Only the judge will be shown on camera, and the vision will run on a short delay.
Patterson, 50, was found guilty in July of murdering three relatives — Don and Gail Patterson (both 70) and Heather Wilkinson (66) — and the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson (68) after a family beef Wellington lunch at her Leongatha home on 29 July 2023. Ian Wilkinson survived after months in hospital.
Prosecutors are urging the court to impose life without parole, calling the crimes heinous and calculated. The defence accepts a life term is appropriate but argues Patterson should have parole eligibility, pointing to the harsh prison conditions she has faced at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, including prolonged isolation for safety reasons. Justice Beale will set the head sentence and any non-parole period.
Why the livestream matters
The court’s decision to broadcast the sentencing is a Supreme Court first, framed as a move to improve public access and transparency in a case that has drawn global attention. Only the judge will appear on screen; cameras will not show Patterson or others in court.
The Supreme Court posts public livestreams on its website’s Daily Hearing List – Live Streams page. Look for the Erin Patterson matter on the morning of sentencing.
Patterson will have 28 days after sentencing to lodge any appeal against her conviction or sentence.
Background timeline (key points)
- 29 Jul 2023: Family lunch held in Leongatha. Within days, three relatives die; a fourth is hospitalised. (7NEWS)
- Nov 2023: Patterson first appears in court after being charged. (Wikipedia)
- Jul 2025: Jury returns guilty verdicts on three murders and one attempted murder after a high-profile trial. (ABC)
- Aug 2025: Plea hearing held; victims’ families deliver impact statements; sentencing set for 8 Sep 2025. (ABC, South Gippsland Sentinel Times)