Outrage as Triple Murderer Gets Taxpayer-Funded Weight Loss Drug in Prison: ‘A Slap in the Face to Victims’ Families’
- Taxpayers footing the bill for Ozempic prescription for convicted murderer Erin Patterson
- Comedian Dave Hughes slams decision, saying Patterson’s confinement is not a ‘cruise’ and she should just ‘ask for less food’
- Victorian Opposition spokesperson Brad Batten questions use of highly sought-after drug, suggesting prisoners need more exercise and better food
Comedian Dave Hughes has sparked a heated debate after condemning the decision to prescribe taxpayer-funded weight loss medication to convicted triple murderer Erin Patterson.
The 55-year-old comedian took to social media to express his outrage, saying Patterson’s solitary confinement is no excuse for needing the highly sought-after drug Ozempic.
Patterson, who is serving time for the brutal murders of three people, has been prescribed Ozempic to prevent health complications associated with rapid weight gain due to her extreme confinement.

However, many are questioning why taxpayers should foot the bill for the medication, which is also commonly used off-label as a powerful weight loss drug.
Hughes’ rant has sparked a wave of support from the public, with thousands of comments agreeing with his sentiment. The comedian’s criticism is not just about Patterson’s individual case, but also about the broader issue of taxpayer-funded privileges for prisoners.
“She’s in solitary confinement, she’s not trying to keep away from the buffet on a cruise,” Hughes said. “Just ask for less food through the flap, Erin.
Or, if you really want to lose weight, just ask them to make your special beef Wellington.”
Patterson’s case has also raised questions about the prison system’s ability to provide adequate care and support to inmates.
Victorian Opposition spokesperson on Police and Corrections Brad Batten said if a prisoner is gaining excessive weight in jail, it indicates a problem within the system.
“Maybe we should be using prescriptions for more exercise, or a government should be reviewing what they are feeding prisoners here in Victoria,” Batten said.
The use of Ozempic in prisons has also sparked concerns about the prioritization of prisoners’ health over that of the general public.
With thousands of Australians struggling to access the medication due to its high demand and limited supply, many are questioning why a convicted murderer should be given priority.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The decision to prescribe taxpayer-funded weight loss medication to a convicted murderer has significant implications for Australia’s prison system and the way we prioritize healthcare.
It raises questions about the balance between providing adequate care to inmates and ensuring that taxpayers’ money is being used effectively.
The case also highlights the need for a broader discussion about the prison system’s ability to provide support and rehabilitation to inmates, rather than just relying on medication to manage health issues.
Security analysts say that the use of Ozempic in prisons is just one example of a larger issue with the prison system’s approach to healthcare.
“The focus should be on providing prisoners with access to healthy food, exercise, and education, rather than relying on medication to manage health issues,” one analyst said.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the decision to prescribe Ozempic to Patterson could set a dangerous precedent, where prisoners begin to demand access to luxury treatments and medications.
Industry observers believe that the case highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to healthcare in prisons.
“Prisoners have complex health needs, and we need to be providing them with access to a range of services, including mental health support, exercise programs, and healthy food options,” one observer said.