Tragic loss for the sole survivor of a mushroom poisoning incident in Australia, mourning the demise of their spouse and companions.

Erin Patterson, who was convicted of the murders of Heather Wilkinson, Gail Patterson, and Don Patterson, as well as the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, appeared in person at the Melbourne court on Monday. The sentencing hearing for Patterson is scheduled to continue on Tuesday.

Patterson's estranged husband, Simon Patterson, is the parent of Gail and Don Patterson. Seven relatives of the victims read impact statements to the court on Monday, detailing the profound impact the losses have had on their lives.

Ian Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor, survived the attacks after receiving a liver transplant. Despite his own ordeal, Wilkinson offered forgiveness for the harm done to him, but not for those done to others. He expressed feelings of only half alive following the death of his wife, Heather Wilkinson, and a greatly impoverished life without Gail and Don Patterson, who were described as the closest people to him after his wife and family.

Patterson's lawyer, Colin Mandy, represented her in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Patterson wore a paisley top and light brown jacket during her court appearance.

Patterson acted with callous and calculated disregard for the lives of those she murdered. She was convicted of each of the murders and also faces a 25-year sentence for the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson.

Heather Wilkinson was remembered as a woman who took her faith seriously and was full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Ian Wilkinson, in a heartfelt statement, expressed his hope that Patterson will use her time in jail to become a better person. He believes it is a distressing shortcoming of society that so much attention is showered on those who do evil and so little on those who do good.

The sentencing hearing did not indicate any change in the previously mentioned beliefs or sentiments of Ian Wilkinson. His prayer for Patterson remains that she will find redemption and use her time in jail to become a better person.