Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part One
Forgotten Australia29 Touko 2025

Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part One

Nearly a century before Erin Patterson was put on trial in the mushroom murder case, Australia was scandalised by allegations that a young preacher from country Victoria had poisoned his wife, Ethel, the mother of his baby girl, so he could be with his mistress, Lottie, the daughter of one of his most faithful churchgoers.

In this five-part mini-series, we delve deep into the life of holier-than-thou hypocrite Ronald Griggs, who shattered the commandments he supposedly held so sacred.

Everything he said and did cast him as a sinner.

But had this man of the cloth transgressed against the most serious of all holy laws: Thou Shalt Not Kill?

With the case investigated by a heroic Melbourne detective, and the court case defended by legendary legal eagle, the scene was set for one of the greatest murder trials in Australian history.


Part two is available now. Parts three, four and five are available ad-free now for Apple and Patreon supporters. As a supporter, you get all episodes ad-free, plus exclusive bonus episodes and a show shout-out! It’s easy to start a free trial in just a few seconds.


Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia


It’s easy to cancel. Or stick around and help me to make Forgotten Australia.

If you support via Patreon, I’ll get your name for the show shout-out. If you support via Apple, let me know via the email address below and I’ll include you in the roll call of champions!

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com


Want more original Australian true crime and history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html



Credits: Wagner Bridal Chorus Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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