Family of Erin Patterson’s victims say mushroom trial media frenzy fed off their suffering

Erin Patterson arrives at the Victorian supreme court in Melbourne on 25 August. The family of two of her victims say the media’s massive interest in the case has exacerbated their suffering. Photograph: Jason Edwards/AP

As Erin Patterson faced a plea hearing on Monday, several of her victims’ families told the court how the media’s interest in the case had exacerbated their suffering.

The daughter of Heather and Ian Wilkinson, Ruth Dubois, said the media’s behaviour had changed the way she interacts with people, leaving her isolated.