THE SQUIZ
It was one of the most anticipated criminal trials in recent times, and yesterday former teacher and rugby league player Chris Dawson was found guilty of murdering his wife Lynette on or about 8 January 1982. Dawson’s 10-week trial was held without a jury to ensure proceedings weren’t tainted by the extremely high levels of media coverage or the long delay in charging him with his wife’s murder. And yesterday, Justice Ian Harrison said he was satisfied that Dawson killed Lyn, disposed of her body, and then lied about it for 40 years.

WHAT DECIDED IT FOR THE JUDGE?
Well, Harrison said a lot yesterday – it took him almost 5-hours to declare “guilty”… But long story short, he believes Lyn is dead and “did not voluntarily abandon her home” on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. That’s a rejection of Dawson’s lawyers’ argument that Lyn abandoned their 2 young daughters and her marriage. Harrison said it was clear she had a “strong maternal bond with her daughters”, and there was “scant evidence” that she had packed for or could fund a new life. He added that he didn’t believe Dawson’s evidence that Lyn called him in the days after her disappearance or alleged sightings were true. So why does Harrison think Dawson did it? To keep his relationship with their teenage babysitter/former student/future wife, JC. He’d developed a “possessive infatuation” with her, Harrison said, and it wasn’t possible to be with her with his wife in the picture.

AND WHAT’S THE REACTION BEEN?
Dawson’s lawyer Greg Walsh said his client was “obviously shocked, he’s upset, he wanted me to ring his wife Sue.” He added that he’s “not well and he’s been suffering from cognitive problems.” Dawson is likely to appeal his conviction, and a hearing on bail will be held tomorrow. After the verdict yesterday, his twin brother Paul clashed with the awaiting media and pushed a cameraman, which saw the police step in. Headley Thomas, the journalist from The Australian whose Teacher’s Pet podcast cast a spotlight on the case in recent years, said Dawson may have convinced himself he’d done nothing wrong. “I think he’s been scheming and manipulating and lying. For at least 40 years. And I hope that he is appropriately punished for it.” As for Lyn’s family, her brother Greg Simms pleaded with Dawson to reveal the location of her remains. “The journey is not complete. She is still missing. We still need to bring her home,” he said outside court.