Pastor Ian Wilkinson Returns to Church After Mushroom Poisoning Incident

Mushroom lunch survivor and pastor Ian Wilkinson returned to the Korumburra Baptist Church for the first time since Erin Patterson was convicted of murdering his wife. A Supreme Court jury found Patterson guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder after serving beef wellington dishes laced with death cap mushrooms at her Leongatha home in July 2023.

In his sermon on Sunday, Mr Wilkinson welcomed everyone, including visitors from interstate and online viewers, and was applauded by the congregation. Ian and Heather Wilkinson, and Don and Gail Patterson were hospitalized after suspected mushroom poisoning during a lunch at Leongatha in July 2023.

\"Somebody's come all the way from Brisbane to be with us today,\" Mr Wilkinson said. \"And we have some other visitors too. I should introduce myself… my name is Ian; I used to lead services here. And I'm pleased to be back with you again.\"

The light-hearted moment was met with laughter from the congregation, before Mr Wilkinson continued with the service by reading psalms and announcing upcoming events in Korumburra. Later in the service, a church member delivered a prayer for the Wilkinson and Patterson families.

Mr Wilkinson did not comment on the outcome of the Erin Patterson trial. After consuming the beef wellington at Erin Patterson's house, Mr Wilkinson spent several weeks recovering in the hospital. Patterson, who was found guilty of murdering her in-laws and attempting to murder her husband, will be sentenced at a later date.

The trial lasted over two months, with more than 50 witnesses testifying.