Australian comedian Dave Hughes has delivered a cutting reality check to convicted murderer Erin Patterson after reports that she has been approved for taxpayer-funded Ozempic injections while in prison.
Patterson, 51, is being held at Melbourne’s Dame Phyllis Frost Centre as she awaits the outcome of an appeal against her convictions for murdering three relatives and attempting to kill a fourth.
She was sentenced to life imprisonment in September 2025, with a non-parole period of 33 years, after being found guilty of serving beef Wellingtons containing deadly death cap mushrooms at her home in Leongatha, Victoria, in July 2023.
Her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, died after eating the meal. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived after becoming critically ill and Patterson was convicted of his attempted murder.
Reports that she had recently been granted access to Ozempic because she is confined to her cell for much of the day prompted a furious reaction from Hughes.
“She’s in solitary confinement. She’s not trying to keep away from the buffet on a cruise,” he said.
“Just ask for less food through the flap, Erin.
“Or, if you really want to lose weight, just ask them to make your special beef Wellington.
“I think the weight would fall off pretty quick then.”
Patterson has reportedly described herself as a binge eater and discussed a long history of difficulties with food and body image during her 11-week murder trial. The subject arose while she was explaining why she ate several pieces of cake after the fatal lunch before later vomiting.
A prison source quoted in Australian media questioned the decision to provide the medication while raising concerns about staffing and security at the maximum-security facility.
“Staff safety is a huge concern, yet management appear more concerned about the weight of a convicted killer,” the source was reported to have said.
Ozempic prescriptions based on medical advice
Victoria’s Department of Justice and Community Safety said prisoners could be given weight-loss medication where a clinician considered it medically necessary.
“Prescriptions are only given by clinicians when there’s a clear medical need – like preventing serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes,” a departmental spokesperson said.
The department does not comment on the individual medical circumstances of prisoners. Reports have suggested Patterson’s limited opportunities to exercise while held in isolation were among the factors considered in approving the treatment.
Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes and contains semaglutide, a medicine that can also lead to weight loss. The cost of a prescription in Australia varies depending on eligibility and whether it is subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
The row comes as Patterson waits for the Victorian Court of Appeal to decide whether her convictions should be overturned. Her lawyers advanced seven grounds of appeal, including claims that the trial resulted in a substantial miscarriage of justice.
The prosecution has separately challenged the 33-year non-parole period, arguing that it was manifestly inadequate and that Patterson should never be released from prison.
The two appeals were heard by Justices Stephen McLeish, Lesley Taylor and Peter Kidd in August. The court has reserved its decision, which will be handed down at a later date.
