The Teacher’s Pet: Chris Dawson pleads not guilty to murdering Lynette Dawson

Chris Dawson enters his plea in a trial described as entering “uncharted waters”.

Chris Dawson leaving the Downing Centre today. Picture: MATRIX

Chris Dawson has formally pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of his wife Lynette in a trial described as entering “uncharted waters” by a NSW Chief Magistrate.

Mr Dawson’s lawyer, Greg Walsh, and senior crown prosecutor Craig Everson told Sydney Downing Centre Local Court today that the charge certificate was filed electronically yesterday with the formal plea. Both parties proposed that a five-day hearing take place in February next year.

Dawson pictured with his brother. Picture: MATRIX

“That’s sort of stretching the friendship isn’t it?” Chief Magistrate Michael Allen asked.

“Given the nature of the matter, it goes back 37 years, it is my hope that we could be accommodated,” Mr Walsh replied.

Chief Magistrate Allen said the murder trial of this manner was entering “uncharted waters”.

“It’s unprecedented, your honour,” Mr Everson said.

The case is due back before the court on 8 August.

Mr Walsh also asked for Mr Dawson’s bail to be varied on two occasions so he can visit his stepson and another family member on the Gold Coast. This will mean the condition that he cannot travel more than 25km from his Sunshine Coast home will be extended to 200km so he can attend the two family occasions.

Dawson with his brother and lawyer Greg Walsh. Picture: MATRIX

Mr Dawson, 70, was charged with the murder of his first wife in December last year after her she disappeared in 1982.

He arrived at Downing Centre Local Court more than an hour early for his 9.30am court appearance and was accompanied by his brother Peter Dawson.

Interest in the disappearance of Lynette Dawson was reignited after The Australian’s 16-episode podcast series, The Teacher’s Pet, by journalist Hedley Thomas.