Patterson, described as a “keen crocheter,” has access to wool, a hair straightener, books, magazines, television, and a computer in her cell, as stated in court on Monday.
She’s been kept in protective isolation most of the time, spending 22 to 24 hours a day alone in her cell due to the “notoriety” of her crime, according to barrister Colin Mandy SC.
Corrections Victoria assistant commissioner Jenny Hosking was called by prosecutors to discuss Patterson’s conditions behind bars.
She noted that staffing shortages at the women’s prison, caused by a decline in inmate numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in more lockdowns, limiting inmate movement.
Patterson, 50, has a small courtyard attached to her cell, but Mandy said she had not been given regular access to it.
Mandy mentioned that prison officials had allowed Patterson to talk to another prisoner in the courtyard through a mesh fence, although she hadn’t spoken “one word to that other prisoner.”
Mandy said the prisoner was serving a sentence for terrorism and had attacked another inmate while in custody.
“There has been no request by Ms Patterson for access to that person,” he said.
Mandy also stated that she was granted access to the prison library “a handful of times” under strict escort by two guards, with just 20 minutes allotted per visit.
He noted she attempted to visit the leisure centre, but it was locked each time, and her access to her unit’s lounge area was minimal.
Hosking said Patterson’s high profile and details of her offending meant her safety was at risk, but her placement in the protective unit would be continually reviewed.
But Mandy argued her placement in isolation was permanent because the “notoriety of these offences is not likely to diminish”.
