Dawson verdict raises questions about justice system

Sometimes it can take the enormity of a case such as Lyn Dawson’s murder and the evasion of justice by her murderer for 40 years to focus our minds on the justice system – an oxymoron (“Lost records and sheer incompetence”, 30/8).

However the almost finality and competence of NSW Supreme Court judge Ian Harrison’s decision needs a longer perspective. Why did the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions under Nicholas Cowdery SC twice fail (in 2001 and 2003) to take action on coronial recommendations to pursue charges against Chris Dawson?

The DPP’s supposed response, “lack of evidence”, is now seen as a failure of both perspective and the justice system.

An inquiry into this failure would be a right and proper tribute to Lyn Dawson. It would be a right thing for Lyn’s family and the people of NSW. It could reset the NSW justice system back to real justice, fairness and human care.

Lee Smith, Kenmore, Qld

Congratulations to The Australian’s national chief correspondent Hedley Thomas for his outstanding and dogged work in producing his podcast series, The Teacher’s Pet, that was the genesis in finally delivering some justice for the murder of Lyn Dawson.

This was not a matter of a vengeful crowd gathering with pitchforks demanding justice based on a rumour, but rather a wise judge’s decision and account of an ill-treated wife and loving mother disappearing around the time her husband moved a school student with whom he was having an affair into the family home to apparently replace her.

Evidence tends to reveal that Dawson was treated as one of “the good old boys” by the police for too long during the early days.

Brian Whybrow, Wanniassa, ACT

Apart from the guilty verdict against Chris Dawson, the denouement in the NSW Supreme Court yesterday was also a day where the podcast medium came into its own.

Without the dedication and work of Hedley Thomas and his team at The Australian, yesterday would not have happened.

Jim Ball, Narrabeen, NSW

It’s difficult to comprehend how an unquestionably intelligent man such as Dawson could commit such an act, and may be an explanation for why the police were so negligent in their duty.

Francis Smith, Caulfield North, VIC

I am unsure of why I have misgivings about the Dawson matter. I accept that the judge got it right, but trial by media is a dangerous thing. Had the campaign been mounted by someone without the integrity of Hedley Thomas, it could have degenerated into vigilantism. What if the ABC had gone in to bat for truth and justice? Ask George Pell and many others.

Frank Pulsford, Aspley, Qld

It’s beyond belief that nothing was said regarding the initial police investigation regarding the murder of Lyn Dawson. Incompetence has to be highlighted when reviewing such shocking events, police were obviously starstruck by the defendant, taking his side, and totally believing what he told police, without them properly testing the defendant’s claims. Obviously the police ignored the family’s concerns and desperation to find Lyn Dawson.

The judge should have acknowledged these fundamental facts and ensured the family had an official apology from NSW police, with assurances that if such matters happen again, police involved are prosecuted for their incompetence. Only then will a change of culture be forced on police.

David McKenzie, Beaconsfield, Vic

At last, justice for gentle wife and mother Lynette Dawson. It reinforces the dire quip that, alas, the wheels of justice grind slowly.

Steve Ngeow, Chatswood, NSW

Dare we hope that Lyn Dawson’s killer will see the light and give full closure to those who loved this young woman by revealing the whereabouts of her remains?

Helen Jackson, Higgins, ACT