Juror kicked out of Erin Patterson’s trial

A juror in the trial of accused triple-murderer Erin Patterson has been discharged following reports they had spoken to outsiders about the case.

Transcript

00:00It was quite a dramatic turn of events.

00:05Justice Christopher Beale discharging a member of the jury, leaving 14, to hear the remainder of the case.

00:12It happened after reports emerged that a juror had been discussing the case with family and friends.

00:18No findings have been made about the juror's conduct, but Justice Beale told the remaining jurors

00:24there was a reasonable possibility that the information the juror had been discussing the case with outsiders was credible.

00:31The decision won't have an impact on proceedings though.

00:34Three extra jurors were empanelled at the start of the trial.

00:37Only 12 will be required in the end to decide Erin Patterson's fate.

00:42Separately, we've also heard evidence from Victoria's chief toxicologist.

00:46He gave evidence that death cat mushroom toxins were detected in some samples of the leftover lunch.

00:53And we also heard from a child protection worker who said Erin Patterson didn't answer her question

00:58about whether mushrooms in the beef Wellington lunch had been picked.

01:02She said Ms Patterson was looking at her phone when she asked.

01:07Ms Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges against her.

01:11Her defence says she did not intend to poison her guests.

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