logo
episode-header-image
May 2022
1h 2m

Episode 1: Court

THE AUSTRALIAN
About this episode

Four decades after former star footballer and high school teacher Chris Dawson allegedly murdered his wife Lyn, a murder trial her family feared would never happen has begun. The prosecution revealed that a new witness - a former Newtown Jets team-mate of the accused wife killer - will allege Dawson asked him in 1975 to help 'get rid' of Lyn. Dawson strenuously denies wrongdoing.

And in the lead up to the trial for the most high profile cold case in Australia's history, judges gave their verdicts on Dawson's right to a fair trial in light of The Teacher's Pet podcast series, the delays of 40 years since Lyn's disappearance, and the conduct of earlier police investigations.

For daily updates from The Australian, search for "The Front" in your podcast app.

The National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service can be reached on 1800RESPECT.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
May 2022
Episode 2: Groomed
Chris Dawson’s former babysitter “JC” gives evidence that he groomed her, then turned her into his “sex slave” and a substitute mother for his children after his wife Lyn’s sudden disappearance. Lyn’s friend and neighbour Julie Andrew and siblings Greg Simms and Pat Jenkins tell ... Show More
1h 26m
May 2022
Episode 3: Bruises
It’s an intense and emotional week in court as Lyn’s workmates and friends tell of a steady deterioration of her marriage to Chris Dawson. Witnesses are tested on allegations of bruising on Lyn and violence and aggression in the home. The evidence takes us from the school grounds ... Show More
1h 22m
Jun 2022
Episode 4: Sex, Lies and Videotape
The court hears Chris Dawson's story in his own words as video of his first and only police interview on the topic of his wife's disappearance is played in full. His brother, Peter Dawson, remembers the crucial weeks and months following Lynette Dawson's disappearance and a teena ... Show More
1h 17m
Recommended Episodes
May 2022
Introducing The Teacher's Trial
From Hedley Thomas and the journalists at The Australian comes The Teacher's Trial. A new episode will be published every Friday for the duration of the trial of Chris Dawson, who is accused of the murder of his wife Lynette Dawson. Search for The Teacher's Trial wherever you lis ... Show More
1h 2m
Dec 2018
Episode 16 - Arrest
<p>Nearly 37 years after Lyn Dawson disappeared, police have arrested Chris Dawson over the alleged murder of his wife, taking him into custody and preparing his extradition to Sydney where he will face court. When the knock on the door came, the 70-year-old was calm. The timing ... Show More
45m 17s
Sep 2022
Teacher’s Pet returns and Chris Dawson begs for protection
Prisoners are threatening to kill Chris Dawson, his lawyer tells the NSW Supreme Court, begging the judge for special protection.  Plus, Hedley Thomas joins us to reveal the podcast that started it all – The Teacher’s Pet – is back on the air. Find out more about The Front podcas ... Show More
14m 8s
Jun 2024
From The Front: Chris Dawson is staying in jail
This is an episode of The Australian's daily news podcast, The Front.  Chris Dawson has suffered another humiliation, losing an appeal against his conviction for the 1982 murder of his wife Lynette in 1982. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story ... Show More
17m 44s
May 2024
From The Front: The Teacher's Appeal
Christopher Michael Dawson has launched an appeal, arguing Justice Ian Harrison got it wrong — and claiming he’s not guilty of Lyn’s murder.  The Front is covering the NSW Supreme Court proceedings every day. Find out more about it here, or keep up to date on The Australian's web ... Show More
18m 59s
Aug 2018
Episode 14 - Decision Time
<p>After 36 long years, failed police investigations, two coronial inquests, and countless appeals from Lyn's family, the case is stronger now - and once again it's in the hands of the office of the DPP. Regardless of their decision, the NSW police commissioner pledges to keep in ... Show More
2h 2m