Three attempted murder charges relating to Erin Patterson’s estranged husband have been discontinued by prosecutors, jurors have been told.
Patterson, 50, is facing the first day of a Supreme Court jury trial in the small town of Morwell, about two hours’ drive from Melbourne.
The trial has attracted significant national and international media interest, with dozens of journalists, documentary-makers, true crime writers, and podcasters flooding the small town.
The prosecution, led by Nanette Rogers SC, will deliver their opening address to the jury tomorrow morning.
Patterson’s barrister Colin Mandy SC will then deliver the defence’s reply, before the first witness is expected to be called on Thursday.
Due to the high level of interest, only six seats inside the courtroom will be allocated to media each day of the trial with the rest given to members of the public.
The jury of 15 will be whittled down to 12 to decide unanimously whether Patterson is guilty or not guilty of the three murders and one attempted murder.
Justice Beale said the 12 jurors would be sequestered when they retire for deliberations.
The trial is expected to run for five to six weeks.
