Chris Dawson murder trial suffers Covid delay

Chris Dawson’s murder trial has been delayed a week after a development involving a key lawyer in the case.

Chris Dawson’s murder trial has been put on hold for a week after the Crown prosecutor tested positive for Covid-19.

Evidence was set to resume in courtroom 9D of the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday morning; however, the trial was delayed after prosecutor Craig Everson SC returned a positive rapid antigen test.

The court was told that Mr Everson had tested positive on Monday night and would not be able to resume until Tuesday next week.

Mr Dawson’s barrister Pauline David did not oppose the Crown’s application and Justice Ian Harrison adjourned the trial until Tuesday next week.

Chris Dawson has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Prosecutor Craig Everson has tested positive to Covid. Picture: Richard Dobson

The court was also told that the Crown prosecution expected to close its case mid to late next week, with Mr Dawson’ defence to then call witnesses.

Mr Dawson is accused of murdering his wife Lynette, who went missing from their Bayview home in January 1982.

The former rugby league player and teacher has pleaded not guilty, arguing he had no reason to kill his wife and that he spoke to her several times since she was last seen by friends and family.

Mr Dawson, 73, says he dropped Ms Dawson off at a Mona Vale bus stop on the morning of January 9, 1982; however, she failed to meet him at the Northbridge Baths.

The Crown has alleged that Mr Dawson was motivated to kill his wife so he could have “unfettered access” to his former student and babysitter.

Chris and Lynette Dawson in 1966 before her disappearance. Picture: Supplied

Chris Dawson and JC is on their wedding day in 1984. Picture: Supplied

The then teenager – who can only be known as JC for legal reasons – has told the court that she began having sex with Mr Dawson while residing at his Gilwinga Drive home as a live-in babysitter in 1981.

Mr Dawson and JC later married in 1984 before divorcing in acrimonious circumstances in 1990.