Mushroom poisoning victim speaks of forgiveness and resurrection hope

Poisonous mushroom meal survivor Ian Wilkinson has shared his faith in Christ before an Australian court.

In a Victim Impact Statement at Victoria’s Supreme Court in Melbourne, the Pastor of Korumburra Baptist Church thanked God for his recovery, testified to his confidence in the resurrection, and urged triple-murderer Erin Patterson to seek God’s forgiveness.

Pastor Wilkinson, 71, was the only survivor of a meal prepared by Patterson laced with death cap mushrooms. His wife, Heather, and his wife’s sister and brother-in-law — Don and Gail Patterson — all died.

Resurrection

Speaking to a packed court room last month, ahead of Patterson’s sentencing to life in prison on Monday, the widower paid tribute to his “wonderful wife” and reflected on their “very close marriage relationship” of 44 years.

He continued: “Heather was also a fellow traveller with me in the way of Jesus, along with many other people. She took her faith very seriously. It shaped her life and the way that she lived.

“I continue to carry a heavy burden of grief over her untimely death. It’s a truly horrible thought to live with, that somebody could decide to take her life. I only feel half alive without her. My consolation is that we will be reunited in the resurrection and the age to come.”

Pastor Wilkinson gave thanks to God for sparing his life, and thanked the medics who had strived to save all four victims.

Forgiveness

With Patterson present, he concluded: “Erin has brought deep sorrow and grief into my life and the lives of many others. The ripples spread out through family, friends, our church congregation, the local community and beyond.

“In regard to the many harms done to me, I make an offer of forgiveness to Erin. I say harm’s done to me advisedly. I have no power or responsibility to forgive harms done to others.

“In regard to the murders of Heather, Gail, and Don, I am compelled to seek justice. However, I encourage Erin to receive my offer of forgiveness for those harms done to me, with full confession and repentance.

“I bear her no ill will. My prayer for her is that she will use her time in jail wisely to become a better person. Now I am no longer Erin Patterson’s victim, and she has become the victim of my kindness. Thank you for hearing me, Your Honour.”