The Supreme Court of Victoria confirmed on Friday that the appeal hearing for Erin Patterson, dubbed the 'mushroom murderer', will take place on August 19 and 20. Patterson was sentenced to life in prison in September for murdering three relatives of her estranged husband by serving them a lunch laced with deadly fungi.

Patterson's lawyers filed an appeal in November, arguing that there had been a 'substantial miscarriage of justice' during her trial. The two-day hearing will also consider an appeal from prosecutors, who claim that her sentence, which allows parole eligibility after 33 years, is 'manifestly inadequate'. Prosecutors had unsuccessfully sought life without parole during the trial.

In July, a jury found Patterson guilty of killing her estranged husband's parents, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. She was also convicted of attempting to murder Heather's husband, Ian, who spent seven weeks in hospital and received a liver transplant. The case drew global attention, with over 250 journalists covering the trial and the judge broadcasting the sentencing live.

Patterson's appeal is based on seven grounds, including a 'fundamental irregularity' regarding the jury's sequestration at the same hotel as key figures in the case, such as a police witness and two prosecutors. Her lawyers also argue that some evidence was irrelevant or unfairly prejudicial, and that the prosecution's cross-examination was 'unfair and oppressive'.

Patterson maintains her innocence, claiming the poisoning was accidental. The appeal is scheduled to be heard in August, with both sides presenting their arguments.

Source: www.aljazeera.com