Brother still standing by ‘innocent’ Chris Dawson
He was the only person supporting Chris Dawson in court on Friday as he learnt his fate. Afterwards, Peter Dawson fired a parting shot | WATCH
On Friday, the only person in court supporting Chris Dawson as he learnt his fate was his older brother Peter. For Lynette Joy Simms, as her family now wishes her to be known, there were scores of supporters wearing touches of pink.
Standing outside on the steps of the NSW Supreme Court following the sentencing of his brother, who is likely to die behind bars, Peter Dawson watched on through dark wraparound sunglasses as Chris’s lawyer, Greg Walsh SC, spoke to the media.
It appeared as if he wanted to remain within view of journalists and within earshot of Mr Walsh.
Wearing a dark suit, dark grey shirt and dark tie, he kept his arms crossed for most of the time, and other times leaned against a railing with his hands in his pockets appearing to be fixated on the media.
When asked by journalists whether he wished to say anything, he looked up from his phone and simply shook his head.
He walked away with Mr Walsh and Mr Walsh’s associate, and entered an up-market delicatessen bistro and bar.
Upholding the decades-old reputation of the Dawson brothers as charming and charismatic, Mr Dawson refused to enter the eatery before Mr Walsh’s younger female associate.
Sitting down in the corner of the bar, he took off his glasses and sat with crossed arms and appeared to be in deep thought – was he possibly reflecting on the likelihood he would never see his brother outside of a prison again?
The trio ordered food and Mr Dawson tucked into a glass of white wine.
Mr Walsh and Mr Dawson – also a lawyer – engaged in a deep and sometimes animated conversation, Mr Walsh gesturing with his hands as they spoke.
Mr Dawson then pulled out a black and silver American Express card to pay.
They left, and parted ways. Mr Dawson began immediately making phone calls as he walked down a busy Martin Place and turned into George Street.
Walking through a street festival, the contrast was stark. Surrounded by loud music and happily dancing crowds, Mr Dawson waved his left hand as he spoke intently.
Tapping his Opal card at the gates of Wynyard Station, Mr Dawson had a parting message for The Weekend Australian.
“My brother is innocent, that’s all I’ll say to you,” he said.
And with that he disappeared into the station.
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