A health guru from Melbourne has admitted that she has admitted magic mushrooms in a retreat human trafficking, where she delivered a psychedelic-striking drink to a woman who later died.
Ringwood North Mum Rachael Dixon, 53, had a reported heart attack after drinking a mushroom tonic during a healing ceremony in Clunes in Victoria's West last April.
On Wednesday, Deanne Mathews, 54, argued guilty of delivering the illegal hallucinogenic mushrooms, but escaped without a belief and only a fine of $ 3000.
The court heard that Mathews rented the 'Regional Oasis' location Soul Barn to organize the weekenddrethraite, where they gave various customers a dose of magical mushrooms.
But after they had digested them, Mrs. Dixon suffered a devastating health episode and died later, the court was told. The exact cause of death was not unveiled in court.
Victoria Police, who investigated the death of Mrs Dixon, found evidence that Mathews had traded Psilocin, also called Psilocybin – the psychedelic ingredient of magical mushrooms.
Police officers grabbed evidence from the retreat, including bowls and spoons that had traces of psilocin, found forensic experts.
The police also discovered SMS messages between Mathews and Mrs. Dixon, which showed that she had sold magical mushrooms and had interviewed several people who were with the retreat.
Melbourne Health Guru Deanne Mathews (photo), 54, admitted that she was magical mushrooms in a retreat where she supplied a psychedelic-striking drink to a woman who later died
Ringwood North Mum Rachael Dixon, 53, (photo) died after consuming a mushroom tonic during a healing ceremony in Clunes in Victoria's West on April 13 last year
They said they paid $ 500 for the retreat, including the costs of the 'medicine' for Mathews's tea, also known as Diane Matthews.
The court heard that the magical mushrooms were ground in mixing arches, weighed and served as tea.
Guests were served a maximum of six grams of mushrooms that were consumed for a two -day period.
Witnesses said that consuming magic mushrooms is 'on your own company' during the retreat.
“All this consumption of the tea is entirely up to the individual, you are never forced to try this,” said a witness.
“Dee is probably the best person with whom I sat during a ceremony, everyone who is present is aware of what the tea contains.”
Mathews also gave a statement to the police in which she said that “people who attend the healing ceremonies are fully aware and consensual for the use of magical mushrooms.”
“It's a reason why they are present,” said Mathews.
On Wednesday, Deanne Mathews (left) owed to deliver the illegal hallucinogenic mushrooms to Rachael Dixon (right), but escaped without a conviction and only a fine of $ 3000
Victoria Police started an investigation into the death of Mrs. Dixon at Clunes Retreat Soul Barn (photo)
Victoria Police, who investigated Mrs. Dixon's death, found evidence that Mathews had traded Psilocin, also called Psilocybin – the psychedelic ingredient of magical mushrooms (photo)
However, researchers could find 'no causal link' between the mushrooms and the death of Mrs. Dixon.
Mathews, from MT Macedon in the northwest of Victoria, rented the Soul Barn location and made some 'financial gain' that ran the retreat, the court heard.
Jon Ross, for Mathews, who personally appeared at the court, said that Mrs Dixon's death was a “tragedy.”
“It is also painful for the participants, it will have an eternal impact on Mrs. Dixon's friends and family,” said Mr. Ross.
“Mrs Mathews carried out CPR, Mrs Mathews called emergency services and it was Mrs. Mathews who was with Mrs. Dixon at last moments.”
Mr. Ross also emphasized that the police could not find any evidence that the magical mushrooms caused the death of Mrs. Dixon.
“If that was, we would not be in the court of the magistrates,” said Magistrate Julia Barling.
Mathews, a Canadian mother of two who moved to Australia in the early twenties, received various references from friends, including medical professionals.
The health guru, who operates the rich suburbs of Port Melbourne and South Yarra from the stores, claimed to have trained under a Canadian doctor in an attempt to escape from youth trauma.
Mr. Ross said that his client practiced various alternative health methods, including Reiki, but delivering hallucinogenic medicines was only a small part of her practice. “
“(Mathews) tries to help people, this didn't make her extremely rich,” he said.
Mr. Ross said that his client was well trained and had the knowledge to organize a wellness retreat that delivered magical mushrooms, but that exercise had stopped after Mrs Dixon's death.
Health Guru Deanne Mathews (depicted on her website) who operates from stores in Port Melbourne and South Yarra, claims to have been trained under a Canadian doctor
The court heard Mathews the 'Regional Oasis' location Soul Barn (photo) rented to organize the weekenddrethraite, where they gave various customers a dose of magical mushrooms
“The law misses science,” he said.
'There is evidence that it helps (hallucinogenic medicines) (health), it not only offers psilocin to people and hopes for the best.
'There has been no repeated behavior, no Priors and Mrs. Mathews will probably not be in court again.
“She no longer works in this way, the effects of this have been in profound, it is something that will weigh heavily in her mind.”
Magistrate Barling Food Mathews $ 3000 on the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates' Court, but saved her a conviction.
“It is a very serious way to enter the criminal justice system, the charges of human trafficking are always taken seriously by the court,” said Magistrate Barling.
“Without drug traders, vulnerable people have no direct access to these substances.”
On her website, Mathews describes herself as a 'healer, mentor and teacher' who helps people to continue 'pain and trauma' to 'transform your life through a versatile approach'.
She said that the mushroom drink induces a state of hypnotic trance, so that the consumer can “go back in time and restore the past.”
An autopsy report on Mrs. Dixon made no finding about what caused her heart attack.
The identity of Mathews had remained a secret, while the owner of Soul Barn and founder Michelle Mullins came under intense media check after the tragic death of Mrs. Dixon.
Mrs. Mullins issued a statement in April last year to refute speculation. She had performed the clinic when Mrs. Dixon fell ill and died.
“There are no words to express the deep sorrow and the shock that we feel here at Soul after the tragic incident that took place on April 13,” said the statement.
'The event that took place on April 13 was a private event, and those who facilitate the event in no way work for Soul Barn.
“None of our regular therapists, employees or facilitators were present at any time during this event.”
Mrs. Mullins said she and her staff were traumatized by what had happened.
“We share the shock and destruction of all involved and our hearts are with those affected families,” said it.
“We have no further information to share and we ask you to respect the privacy of our small community.”
Daily Mail Australia previously revealed that Mrs Dixon himself was a doctor who had lived in Zeeland before setting up in Melbourne and raised her son.
Mrs. Dixon's sister Penny Muller-Dixon said: “Words can't express the heartache that we all feel.”
'Matthew, your NZ family loves you, we will see you soon. Life is so f *** and short, hug and love the people around you, “she posted on social media.
