The doctor who alerted police to mushroom murderer Erin Patterson has been ordered to undergo ethics and social media training after calling her a ‘sociopathic nutbag’.
Dr Chris Webster, a rural GP from Leongatha, Victoria, gave crucial testimony at Patterson’s murder trial, which ended last month with her being sentenced to life in prison with a 33-year non-parole period for murdering three family members.
You can listen to the latest episode of The Trial Australia by clicking the player below or here
Webster treated victims Ian and Heather Wilkinson at Leongatha Hospital and became immediately suspicious of Erin when she discharged herself after just five minutes, despite claiming she had eaten the same poisonous meal.
On the latest episode of the Daily Mail’s The Trial Australia, hosts Caroline Cheetham and Wayne Flower discuss how Webster has been sanctioned by the Medical Board of Australia for ‘unprofessional’ comments he made following her conviction.
In a string of media interviews after the verdict, Webster branded Patterson a ‘heinous individual’ and a ‘disturbed sociopathic nutbag’.
Cheetham explained: ‘After Erin was convicted, Dr Webster was obviously really angry.
‘He was the man who tried to save Heather and Ian. He had known Heather because she was his patient.
Dr Chris Webster (pictured) gave crucial testimony at Patterson’s murder trial, which ended last month with her being sentenced to life in prison with a 33-year non-parole period
In a string of media interviews after the verdict, Webster branded Patterson a ‘heinous individual’ and a ‘disturbed sociopathic nutbag’
‘I think he allowed some of that anger out when he gave a series of interviews, including with us at The Trial podcast.
‘He was pretty outspoken and really said what he thought about Erin Patterson.
‘Some people thought he went over the top, and that he was inappropriate. They made complaints about him, and he was investigated.’
Webster said his colourful language simply reflected what he was thinking and telling colleagues when he first suspected Patterson of murder.
Nevertheless, the doctor has been hit with eight hours of mandatory training and must undergo five hours of monthly mentoring with another GP for an entire year.
Flower told the podcast: ‘The other day, Webster had to front the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation agency.
‘They found that his comments were unprofessional and inappropriate.
‘He has copped some sanctions, including completing more than eight hours of training in professionalism and ethics, communication, privacy and confidentiality and social media use.
‘Webster must also undergo five hours of mentoring a month by another doctor for one year. He has accepted the regulator’s decision.
CCTV shows Patterson checking herself out of Leongatha Hospital against advice
Don and Gail Patterson were murdered by Erin Patterson
‘Personally, I don’t think Webster’s language is unusual. I think a lot of us talk like him and I found him very relatable.’
Webster said he stands by his comments, telling media: ‘As far as my comments go, I stand by them.’
On Monday, prosecutors lodged an appeal arguing Patterson’s 33-year non-parole period was ‘manifestly inadequate’ given the severity of her crimes.
During sentencing, Justice Christopher Beale had taken her harsh prison conditions into account, noting she had already spent 15 months in effective solitary confinement and faced years more of isolation for her own protection.
Prosecutors argue other high-profile murderers have received far harsher sentences for similar or lesser crimes.
To hear an exclusive interview with Australian criminal lawyer George Balot about the appeal, search for The Trial Australia now, wherever you get your podcasts.
