Mushroom killer must stay in jail forever for 'truly dreadful' crime, prosecutors say

Key Points:

• Crown prosecutors in Australia are appealing Erin Patterson's life sentence for poisoning relatives with deadly mushrooms, calling the 33-year minimum term "manifestly inadequate" and arguing she should never be released.
• Patterson was convicted of killing three relatives and attempting to kill a fourth by serving them a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms, described by prosecutors as a "betrayal of trust" and a carefully orchestrated plan.
• The Court of Appeal in Melbourne is also hearing Patterson's lawyers' challenge to overturn her convictions, citing procedural errors and alleged miscarriages of justice during the trial.
• Prosecutors highlighted that Patterson maintained lies even as victims were critically ill, while her defense argued the original sentencing judge made appropriate findings considering the seriousness of the crimes and her harsh prison conditions.
• The court has reserved its decisions on both appeals, with outcomes expected in weeks or months, amid debate over the adequacy of Patterson's punishment and conditions in prison.