Accused rarely ever participates in group meetings, according to former spouse.

The estranged husband of a woman who served a poisonous mushroom lunch to her family says it was “very rare” for her to hold social gatherings at home.

Simon Patterson was invited to the fatal meal prepared by Erin Patterson – but decided not to attend the day before.

Mr Patterson is the first witness in the trial of Ms Patterson – who is charged with the murder of three relatives and the attempted murder of another, with the case centring on a beef wellington lunch at her house in July 2023.

Ms Patterson, 50, has pleaded not guilty and her defence team says she “panicked” after unintentionally serving poison to family members she loved.

Three people died in hospital in the days after the meal, including Ms Patterson’s former in-laws, Don Patterson, 70, and Gail Patterson, 70, as well as Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. Local pastor Ian Wilkinson survived after weeks of treatment in hospital.

The jury has been shown text messages exchanged between Simon and Erin Patterson the day before the deadly mushroom lunch.

Mr Patterson said he felt “too uncomfortable” about attending the lunch.

Erin Patterson responded: “That’s really disappointing. I’ve spent many hours this week preparing lunch for tomorrow… It’s important to me that you’re all there tomorrow and that I can have the conversations that I need to have.”