Chris Dawson trial judge Ian Harrison ‘smart with a strong work ethic’

The judgment of NSW Supreme Court justice Ian Gordon Harrison on the guilt of Chris Dawson is likely to be one of the most studied in Australian legal history.

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

The judgment of NSW Supreme Court justice Ian Gordon Harrison on the guilt of Chris Dawson is likely to be one of the most studied in Australian legal history.

The judge-only trial of the former Cromer High teacher for killing his wife 40 years ago attracted attention around the globe as Lyn’s family held on to hope that justice would finally be delivered.

Legal sources said Justice Harrison had a reputation for taking care not to be influenced by media and public sentiment, something that could have only been a virtue over the past months.

Justice Harrison distinguished himself as barrister in common law before joining the bench in 2007 and he is now known for presiding over criminal and criminal appeal cases.

He recently presided over a judge-only trial where the accused was alleged to have solicited others to kill. The judgment, delivered in September 2020, is restricted.

Former NSW Supreme Court judge Anthony Whealy has known Justice Harrison for about 20 years. He said Justice Harrison was an intelligent and witty man.

“He’s a very gregarious person, he has a lot of friends and is a very good dinner companion but none of that interferes with his considerable work ethic,” he said.

Mr Whealy said Justice Harrison had a tremendous capacity for expressing himself and pointed to his comments on women and mothers. “It’s very typical of him to be thoughtful about social issues,” he said.

Justice Harrison was appointed senior counsel in 1995 and in 1996 led an inquiry into allegations of corruption in the Australian Federal Police. He was president of the NSW Bar Association in 2004, and has a reputation for keeping fit and appreciating nature.