Chris Dawson diagnosed with dementia, wasting away in jail

Chris Dawson has suffered a steep decline since being jailed and is showing the early signs of the onset of dementia, a court has been told.

Chris Dawson is expected to decline in jail over the coming years having been diagnosed as being in the early stages of dementia and with a mild cognitive impairment, a court has heard.

Dawson, 75, looked frail as he on Friday afternoon had a year added onto his earliest possible release, after he was sentenced for carrying on an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student in 1980.

As he watched proceedings via videolink from Long Bay Jail, often with his clasped hands covering his face, he at times looked feeble and moved slowly towards the door after being sentenced and told he could go.

Just last year, as he faced trial for the murder of his wife Lynette, the ex-rugby league star and sports teacher looked fit and well for his age.

A court sketch of Chris Dawson, who is declining in jail due to ailing health. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Vincent de Gouw

Chris Dawson, in what were his final moments as a free man before being taken to jail in August last year. Picture NCA Newswire/Gaye Gerard.

But since going into custody - after being found guilty of murdering his wife to pursue a relationship with a young girl - he has quickly declined, the court heard.

In her sentencing remarks on Friday afternoon, Judge Sarah Huggett said that after being convicted of murdering his wife and sent to jail, he had been “taunted” by fellow inmates from other wings.

Though, she noted, “apparently inmates within his wing are supportive”.

Before being convicted of his wife’s murder, Dawson had never been to jail.

Though court records reveal he was in 1988, in a Gold Coast court, convicted of unauthorised dealing with shop goods.

He was ordered to pay a $100 fine and $4.46 in restitution, as well as $4.75 in court costs.

Judge Sarah Huggett on Friday sentenced Dawson to three years in jail after finding him guilty of one count of carnal knowledge.

The sentence effectively pushed back his earliest possible release on parole until August 2041.

By that time, he will be 93 years old.

Lynette and Chris Dawson in 1974

Judge Huggett told the court he had experienced a decline in his mental health since entering custody in August last year.

“It appears that he has enjoyed decades living in the community, participating in meaningful relationships, free from the stain to his character arising from a conviction for a criminal offence,” Judge Huggett said.

“The sentence I impose as a much older man, given his advanced age ... his experience of custody will be more arduous than would be the case if he were younger and in good health.”

The court was told that he had been assessed by psychiatrist Olav Nielssen, who noted that Dawson’s cognitive functioning had declined over the last two years.

Chris Dawson outside court in July 2020. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper.

“He is of the opinion the offender has a mild cognitive impairment and that he is in the early phases of dementia,” Judge Huggett said.

The court heard that many of Dawson’s health concerns were related to head knocks and concussions, as well as other injuries, suffered during his years playing rugby league and rugby union.

He has also been diagnosed with a leaking valve in his heart.

The court was told that following his arrest, he refused an offer from doctors to be given antidepressants.

The court was told that at the time, he told Dr Nielssen: “It’s a bit of a rollercoaster. Some days I wake up feeling all right. Other days I feel unmotivated.”