Chris Dawson ‘subjected to constant death threats’ in jail

Chris Dawson has asked for ‘non-association’ with other prisoners but has not applied for bail ahead of his sentencing on November 11.

Chris Dawson says people are constantly threatening to kill him in prison and has asked to be kept isolated from other inmates.

Despite the threats, his defence lawyer Greg Walsh told the court he would not be applying for bail ahead of sentencing submissions, which will be heard on Friday, November 11.

The former teacher and convicted killer was led into a Sydney court on Thursday morning in prison-issued green tracksuit and green shoes.

The court appearance by the 74-year-old, who was found guilty on Tuesday of murdering his wife Lynette, was to discuss arrangements for sentencing submissions.

“In the brief instructions I’ve been able to obtain from Mr Dawson, it’s apparent he is being subjected to constant threats,” his lawyer Greg Walsh told the court.

Justice Ian Harrison delivers his verdict on Chris Dawson. Picture: Sky News

Dawson appeared in the same court, 13A, and before the same Supreme Court judge who convicted him, Ian Harrison SC, at 9.30am Thursday.

He was transported to the court from Silverwater prison for the hearing.

Dawson had asked for “non-association” with other prisoners and had been granted that status, Mr Walsh said.

“There’s a large number of people threatening his life,” he said.

Mr Walsh asked the judge to direct prison authorities to give Dawson every protection.

Justice Harrison said he had no power to direct them, but recommended “appropriate steps” be taken “to protect Mr Dawson from people who think they know better than the law”.

The judge added: “If that requires non association … I would be the first person to recommend that they take immediate steps to put that in place.”

The judge said it may be appropriate for Mr Walsh to contact corrective services with his blessing ahead of Dawson’s return to Silverwater.

“I can’t say that with enough force,” he said.

Mr Walsh also asked the judge to recommend Dawson to be provided with mental health services.

Chris Dawson arrives at Silverwater Jail after his conviction. Picture NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard.

Pre-trial hearings were told Dawson was suicidal, and since his conviction he has been found by prison authorities to be a suicide risk.

The Australian previously revealed he had been placed in a single cell for his own protection as a high profile inmate.

“This is a very sensitive time,” Mr Walsh said.

Justice Harrison said: “He’s certainly entitled to be given all appropriate medical assistance.”

The judge endorsed Dawson being given all care physically and mentally “as soon as possible”.

Dawson was on Tuesday convicted of Lyn’s murder by Mr Harrison, who found the former teacher killed his wife because he feared losing a teenage girl he was “utterly obsessed” with.

“Lynette Dawson is dead. She died on or about 8 January 1982 and she did not voluntarily ­abandon her home,” Justice Harrison said.

The judge was fortified in his decision by Dawson’s lies, which he said were evidence of a consciousness of guilt. “Christopher Michael Dawson, on the charge that, on or about 8 January, 1982, at Bayview or elsewhere in the state of NSW, you did murder Lynette Dawson. I find you guilty,” he said.

Outside court, the family, called for Dawson to reveal the location of Lyn’s remains, and ­revealed that before the podcast they had doubted he would ever be charged.Dawson’s 10-week trial was held without a jury at his request to ensure proceedings could not be tainted by publicity, and to minimise the potential effect of Covid delays. The prosecution presented a wholly circumstantial but powerful case, arguing Lyn would not have left her two young daughters, and were able to overcome the hurdle of her remains never being found. Lyn doted on the two little girls, aged four and two when she was murdered by their father.