Whichever way the sentence goes, Erin Patterson is likely to serve at least 30 years in prison.
That is, in general, the minimum non-parole period for a life sentence in Victoria, unless the court considers it not in the interests of justice to set such a term.
If she receives a life sentence, then Patterson, now 50, is likely to be 80 before she is eligible to rejoin the community.
A sentence of life without the possibility of parole means she will die behind bars.
She will have the option to appeal the sentence, whatever it is, if she chooses.
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