Murderer Chris Dawson under special protection at Silverwater prison

Murderer Chris Dawson has been forced into special protection on his first day inside a western Sydney prison, with fears the wife-killer would be “dead by Friday”.

Convicted murderer Chris Dawson has been forced into the Special Management and Protection Program inside prison, as correctional officers say there are real concerns he would be “dead by Friday”.

Prison officers performed a medical assessment, and also highlighted possible threats from other inmates due to the high-profile nature of the case, and Dawson’s relationship with a schoolgirl.

Dawson, 74, was handcuffed and taken to police cells on Tuesday after being handed a guilty verdict for the murder of his wife, Lynette Dawson, 40 years ago.

Chris Dawson arrives at Supreme Court for the verdict in his trial on Tuesday, 30 August 2022. Picture: Nikki Short

The high-profile inmate was held in police cells on Tuesday night, before being transferred to the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater Correctional Complex on Wednesday morning where he underwent a comprehensive screening and health assessment.

A view of the Police Truck at Silverwater Jail which transferred newly convicted Murderer Chris Dawson after he left Surry Hills Police Station for this today in Sydney. Picture NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard.

Multiple Corrective Services sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told The Daily Telegraph Dawson was considered a “suicide risk” following Wednesday’s assessment.

“There were repeated and specific suicide threats during the assessment process,” the source said.“There was also concern that he would be the target of other inmates due to the high-profile nature of the case and his well-documented relationship with a schoolgirl.

“Officers raised concerned that he would be dead by Friday if not placed in the specialist management and protection program where he can be monitored 24 hours a day.”

Officers said Dawson was seen with his “head in his hands” in a single cell inside the Special Management section of the remand centre, after being stripped of his clothes and issued a kit of prison greens.

Corrective Services officers raid cells at Silverwater. Picture: Richard Dobson

Dawson will remain at the MRRC while he awaits the outcome of a bail application, as he plans his appeal of the murder conviction.

The Special Management and Protection program will see Dawson housed in a single-bed cell in an area designed to restrict movements and interactions.

“Dawson will be housed in a one-out cell by himself, due to the nature of his case,” another source said. “Management intervened to enforce special protections to be imposed.

“This is something that is recommended on all high-profile inmates, to ensure they are not subject to abuse, threats or attacks due to the level of publicity surrounding their case.”

Wedding photo of Chris and Lynette Dawson.

It is understood Dawson underwent comprehensive screening at the Silverwater Correctional Complex, including a full body scan or strip search.

Dawson was provided with a prison kit including a green shirt, shorts, a tracksuit, and a pair of prison shoes.

The former schoolteacher and Newtown Jets Prop was also issued a toiletries pack containing a razor, toothbrush and toothpaste, and soap before he was served dinner at 3pm in his cell.

Dawson’s lawyer was contacted for comment.

Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14 for confidential support from a trained crisis supporter.

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