Crochet, isolation and the prison chaplain: Erin Patterson’s life behind bars detailed in court

Victorian supreme court also hears that mushroom lunch murderer spends 22 hours a day in cell and has had no contact with other inmates

• Full report: Mushroom lunch survivor forgives Erin Patterson as defence agrees triple murderer deserves life sentence

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Erin Patterson has become a “keen crocheter” inside Victoria’s maximum security women’s prison, where she spends about 22 hours a day isolated.

Inside her prison, Melbourne’s Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Patterson’s personal items include wool for crocheting, blankets she has crocheted, a hair straightener and computer.