Mushroom chef Erin Patterson: Cops reveal computer discovery in dramatic police raid on her Leongatha home – as murder defendant faces court for the first time

Computers and other electronic devices seized from Erin Patterson’s home will be used in sentencing for three murders, a court has heard.

Patterson appeared in the LaTrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Friday where she was told she will remain behind bars until at least May next year.

The court heard the case will focus on the suspected killer’s computer data, with specialist dogs used in a raid on her home in Leongatha on Thursday.

Erin Patterson appeared in court Friday

Patterson made no attempt to apply for bail and Judge Tim Walsh told the alleged killer he had no authority to grant bail even if she had applied.

Her attorney, Bill Doogue, addressed his client shortly before the hearing began to explain her immediate fate.

The experienced lawyer is expected to submit a bail application in the coming weeks.

Patterson appeared disheveled when she first appeared in court.

Patterson wore a beige sweater and tortoiseshell glasses. Patterson’s hair appeared matted and disheveled as she sat behind bulletproof glass in the prison dock.

Surrounded by two burly guards wearing bulletproof vests and goggles, Patterson appeared uneasy as she watched the brief hearing.

Patterson spoke quietly as the judge addressed him, nodding and forcing an uncomfortable smile.

Homicide detectives asked the court for a whopping 20 weeks to compile their evidence against the suspected triple murderer.

A police prosecutor said the time was needed to allow police to forensically analyze new evidence they recovered from her home on Thursday.

A specialized team of police investigators searched Ms. Patterson’s home on Thursday, where the fatal family dinner took place on July 29.

Forensic experts were seen rummaging through a cluttered garage next to the house and combing the interior of their red MG ZS SUV in the property’s driveway.

Investigators also deployed specially trained “technology sniffing dogs” who can detect USB memory sticks and SIM cards to help search the property.

Erin Patterson enters Wonthaggi police station, where she was charged with three murders on Thursday

The prosecutors’ request caused Mr. Walsh some concern because it questioned the amount of time required.

“20 weeks of analyzing computer equipment in a triple murder?” he quipped.

“Was the informant confident that he had enough evidence to charge this lady yesterday?”

The court heard detectives wanted to submit an “extensive” evidence brief against Patterson.