Chris Dawson murder trial: Teacher’s Pet returns – with a new ending for Lynette Dawson mystery

It was the podcast that flashed around the world and brought down a killer. Now, The Teacher’s Pet is back.

Lynette and Chris Dawson as a young couple.

It was the podcast that flashed around the world and brought down a killer.

Now, The Teacher’s Pet is back.

After Chris Dawson was this week sensationally found guilty of murdering his wife Lynette Dawson 40 years ago, the podcast that started it all is making a comeback.

For the first time in more than two years, The Teacher’s Pet will be available to audiences across the nation.

It had been unavailable for legal reasons, denying curious listeners the chance to download the most popular podcast in Australian history.

 

The Teacher’s Pet has been downloaded more than 60 million times around the world.

Many observers credit the 16-episode podcast as the catalyst that encouraged prosecutors to charge Dawson with murder after decades of inaction.

On Saturday, it returns, for a whole new generation to experience. This time they know the ending – the killer does not walk free.

Those returning to listen again might notice some changes; because Chris Dawson is facing a further criminal charge, the original has required some edits to remove legally sensitive material.

Lynette Dawson in 1977.

Chris Dawson during his trial. Picture: Nikki Short

But the story remains the same. She was a loving mother, sister, friend and daughter, missing for 40 years. There was no body, no witnesses and no admissions. For decades, despite two coronial inquests, no charges were laid.

Until The Teacher’s Pet began to probe the mysterious circumstances of her disappearance, the case remained unsolved.

But this week Justice Ian Harrison delivered the long-awaited verdict.

Guilty.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE FROM SATURDAY