Erin Patterson’s only surviving victim has publicly forgiven her while urging her to confess to the murders she continues to deny.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson lost his wife Heather, along with her sister Gail Patterson and Gail’s husband Don, after they ate a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms, prepared by Patterson, 50. Wilkinson also fell seriously ill but survived.

Speaking at the Supreme Court in Melbourne, Wilkinson described the devastating loss of his wife of 44 years, whom he called “compassionate, intelligent, brave, witty” and full of love and kindness. He said Patterson had caused deep grief to many lives but extended forgiveness for the harm done to him personally.

“I encourage Erin to receive my offer of forgiveness with full confession and repentance,” he told the court, adding that his prayer was for Patterson to use her time in prison to become a better person. “I am no longer Erin Patterson’s victim—she has become the victim of my kindness,” he said, as Patterson appeared emotional in the dock.

Wilkinson’s daughter, Ruth Dubois, also addressed the court, describing the immense trauma caused by the murders, trial, and media attention. She said Patterson had several chances to stop the plan but deliberately followed through, calling it “particularly revolting” that their tragedy had been turned into entertainment for the public.

Simon Patterson, Erin Patterson’s estranged husband, did not attend the hearing, but his statement was read in court. He accused his wife of robbing their children of their grandparents and strongly criticized the media’s conduct during the case.

Erin Patterson was found guilty on 7th of July of three murders and the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson. She deliberately served the poisoned meal at her Leongatha home, leading to the deaths of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson. She now faces life in prison, with sentencing expected at a later hearing.