After a six-week trial, Erin Patterson was found guilty of murdering her in-laws and Heather Wilkinson with a mushroom-laced lunch, which was intended as a family gathering but turned deadly.

Following her conviction last month, Patterson is now attending a plea hearing in Melbourne to seek leniency from the court.

The case has garnered significant media attention, with heightened security and Patterson appearing in a prison van, underscoring its impact on public confidence in the justice system.

Police seized electronic devices from Patterson’s home containing documents on poisons, including a book titled 'Criminal Poisonings,' and search histories involving 'poison' and 'hemlock,' a highly toxic plant.

The plea hearing is taking place at Melbourne’s Supreme Court because the Morwell courthouse was unavailable due to ongoing work, aligning with Australian legal principles that trials should be held in the community where the crimes occurred.

During the trial, it was revealed that Patterson’s husband, Simon, was hospitalized twice for gastro-related symptoms after meals she prepared, including a penne bolognese, chicken curry, and a wrap, with one hospitalization lasting 16 days and requiring emergency bowel surgery.

Additional details that the jury did not hear include allegations that Patterson previously attempted to kill her husband and her online research related to poisons, which emerged after her conviction and cannot influence her sentencing.