Prosecutors argue Erin Patterson's murder sentence too lenient, seek no-parole term

Australian prosecutors have challenged the sentence handed to Erin Patterson, who was convicted of murdering three people by serving them poisonous mushrooms. Appearing before an appeal court, prosecutors argued the sentence was manifestly inadequate because it leaves open the possibility of parole. They called the crime 'truly dreadful' and contended that Patterson should be imprisoned for the rest of her natural life without any chance of release. The appeal represents a push by the prosecution to ensure the severity of the punishment matches what they consider an exceptionally grave offence.