Ian Wilkinson has cheated death and lost his wife and in-laws in a calculated murder plot.
But the sole survivor of a fatal mushroom lunch expressed nothing but gratitude and kindness when finally breaking his silence.
Despite the countless words written about the pastor from country Victoria, the 70-year-old has only once added to them in the form of a statement read out to a court.
That was until Monday, when the grieving pastor spoke on the Supreme Court steps after triple murderer Erin Patterson was sentenced for killing his wife Heather, in-laws Don and Gail Patterson and trying to fatally poison him as well.
There was no reference to the killer or her sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 33 years as he faced a wall of cameras.
Instead, he thanked those who saved his life, brought the killer to justice, helped his family navigate the court system and offered their prayers or support.
Facing dozens of journalists, Mr Wilkinson calmly delivered a short message, a slight shake in his hands the only visible sign of possible nerves.
He thanked the prosecution who secured Patterson's conviction and police who "brought to light the truth of what happened with the death of three good people" at the fateful beef Wellington lunch in July 2023.
Mr Wilkinson was in hospital for months after ingesting the toxic meal and applauded the health care workers who saved his life, along with people from other services and agencies involved in the case.
"We're thankful that when things go wrong, there are good people and services and systems available to help us recover," he said.
"I'd like to encourage all those involved to keep turning up and serving others.
"Our lives and the life of our community depends on the kindness of others. I'd like to encourage everybody to be kind to each other".
His only allusion to the public attention on the case came as he acknowledged people around Australia and the world for their prayers and messages, including from within his own community about 120km southeast of Melbourne.
"I thank the people of Leongatha and Korumburra communities in particular, your thoughtfulness and care has been a great encouragement to us," he said.
"That's all I wish to say for now. Please respect our privacy as we continue to grieve and heal."
With that, he received a supportive pat on the back from a police officer and made his exit from the Supreme Court flanked by supporters.
