Chris Dawson, a former teacher, has encountered further legal setbacks after his conviction for the sexual abuse of a former student was upheld. The 76-year-old had previously sought to overturn a separate conviction for the murder of his wife, Lynette Dawson, committed in January 1982, but was unsuccessful in that endeavour as well. He is currently serving a 24-year sentence for the homicide.
The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal recently dismissed Dawson’s appeal against the sexual abuse conviction, which was based on charges involving a student known as AB. Justice Kristina Stern and Justice Sarah McNaughton presided over the case and reaffirmed the original conviction, while Justice Peter Hamill dissented, arguing for the appeal to be allowed.
The court’s detailed reasons for the ruling are anticipated to be published soon. Dawson’s previous legal attempts focused on casting doubt on the credibility of AB’s allegations, claiming she was not sexually abused before reaching 17, which would be a necessary criteria under the carnal knowledge law in effect during the 1980s.
His conviction detailed how Dawson had groomed AB during fitness classes while arranging social events to facilitate her relationship with his wife, which ultimately led to her moving into his home shortly after Lynette’s murder. Following this, he was convicted for the murder of Lynette in 2022.
Dawson is currently imprisoned at Silverwater prison in Sydney, with a non-parole period of 18 years that will not expire until 2040.
For anyone affected by similar issues, support is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).