Chris Dawson has bail win ahead of murder trail

Chris Dawson, accused of murdering his wife Lynette on Sydney’s northern beaches four decades ago, has been allowed to move house as he awaits trial.

Chris Dawson walking in to the Supreme court in Sydney last year. PICTURE: NCA NewsWire/Adam Yip

Chris Dawson has had his bail varied to move houses as he awaits trial over his wife Lynette’s alleged cold case murder.

Mr Dawson, 72, was on Monday successful in having his bail conditions changed so he could move from his home in Mount Coolum to a new address at Peregian Beach, just south of Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The application was not opposed by prosecutor David Laird and granted by Justice Stephen Campbell during a brief hearing in the NSW Supreme Court.

Chris Dawson has had his bail varied in the NSW Supreme Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper.

The former Newtown Jets rugby league player and high school teacher is set to face trial later this year on allegations that he murdered his wife Lynette nearly 40 years ago.

Ms Dawson disappeared from their Bayview home on Sydney’s northern beaches in January 1982 and has not been seen since.

Mr Dawson has pleaded not guilty and has repeatedly stated he played no part in her disappearance.

In its bid to stay the trial, Mr Dawson’s legal team told a hearing last year he had been prejudiced by the “nature and extent of public commentary” concerning Ms Dawson’s suspected murder.

But Justice Elizabeth Fullerton ruled he should face a jury over the historical allegations, despite strong media attention.

He is scheduled to face a jury trial later this year.

Originally published as Chris Dawson has bail win ahead of murder trail