Dr. Chris Webster, the doctor who testified against Erin Patterson in her murder trial, claims he is now unemployed and financially destitute following his public statements about the case. Patterson was convicted of murdering her former partners, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, in what became known as the "mushroom poisoning" case.
Webster told the Daily Mail that his bank accounts collectively hold just $1, with an additional debt of $18.93 in one account. He also faces tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid loan repayments. The doctor stated that he believes he has been targeted by rivals since speaking out about Patterson's actions, particularly after calling her a "crazy b***h" and a "disturbed sociopathic nutbag" in media interviews following the verdict.
In September, the Medical Board of Australia mandated that Dr. Webster complete education on one-on-one patient interaction. In February, additional conditions imposed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency effectively halted his practice, restricting him to unpermitted locations. The specifics behind these decisions remain confidential due to privacy considerations.
Dr. Webster has expressed his frustrations on social media, questioning whether regulatory bodies considered his financial situation before taking action against his livelihood. He contends that his public commentary on Patterson, a convicted mass murderer, should not lead to the loss of his career and reputation.
Supporters of Dr. Webster have suggested he is being targeted by critics of his now-defunct medical practice, with some media reports focusing on alleged delays in returning patient records. One report quoted Monash MP Mary Aldred, who stated that patients were awaiting records for extended periods after the practice's closure, a situation that has drawn scrutiny from federal health officials.
Dr. Webster was a key medical witness during Patterson's ten-week trial. He testified that he first encountered Patterson at Leongatha Hospital on July 31, 2023, after her guests fell critically ill following a lunch. He recounted that he was aware of the suspected mushroom poisoning when Patterson arrived at the hospital and that he initially apologized to her before recognizing her as the lunch cook. Dr. Webster told the court that Patterson discharged herself against medical advice, prompting him to attempt to contact her multiple times and eventually inform the police due to her health and safety concerns.
During the trial, a recording of Dr. Webster's call to emergency services was played, in which he requested officers check on Patterson at her home. He later encountered her again at the hospital and asked police to retrieve a leftover Wellington dish from her home for analysis, a decision he later recognized as a critical moment in the investigation.
Patterson's conviction is currently under appeal, with a hearing scheduled for next month. She was found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the sole survivor of the lunch, having been the only guest who did not consume the poisoned mushrooms. He later testified against Patterson.
Dr. Webster's supporters are reportedly organizing a GoFundMe campaign to assist him financially. An appeal over Patterson's conviction and sentence is scheduled for next month.