Lyn Dawson Bayview search ends without breakthrough

Lyn Dawson’s family has told of their gratitude for the new police dig at her former home as the search finished.

Police shift soil during the search. Picture: Jane Dempster.

Lyn Dawson’s family has told of their gratitude for the new police dig at her former home, as the search finished without a breakthrough in the cold case.

Detectives phoned Lyn’s siblings this afternoon to break the news that the search at the property at Bayview, on the northern beaches, had been completed without her remains being found.

Relatives told of their disappointment at being unable to lay Lyn to rest, 36 years after she vanished, saying it was still sinking in.

But they thanked the owners of the home in particular for cooperating with police.

“We would like to thank them from the bottom of our heart for actually letting police come in without having a warrant,” Lyn’s brother Greg Simms said.

“I know everything will be put back the way it was, but it’s still an upheaval for them, having only just bought it and seeing police come in with all their equipment and start digging it up.

“At least they’ve got peace of mind now, knowing the likelihood of Lyn being there is very, very slim.”

Two coroners found Lyn’s husband Chris should be prosecuted for her murder, but he was not charged and denies killing his wife.

The NSW DPP is again considering whether there is enough evidence to prosecute.

“It’s up to the DPP to make their decision now. Maybe it was the DPP that pushed them along to go and do the dig, I don’t know,” Mr Simms said.

Mr Simms’ wife, Merilyn, said: “While it’s disappointing that no remains have been found, we’re grateful that police are well and truly on the case and working hard now towards coming towards some form of resolution and conclusion.

“We will be forever grateful to (the owners) for having to deal with this both emotional and physical upheaval.”

Police issued a statement confirming the forensic excavations at the Gilwinga Drive house had finished without finding any trace of Lyn, who disappeared in January 1982 at the age of 33.

“A forensic examination and search of the former home of Lynette Dawson at Bayview has concluded.

“The operation, conducted as part of ongoing investigations into the suspected murder of Lynette Dawson, commenced last Wednesday and concluded today.

“Police have not located Lynette’s remains or any items of interest to the investigation.

“Detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Unit established Strike Force Scriven in 2015 to re-investigate Lynette’s disappearance and are committed to providing answers to her family.”

Contractors would remain on site to restore and repair areas impacted by the police operation.

The case has attracted global attention after being examined in The Australian’s investigative podcast The Teacher’s Pet.

Police began packing up at the Bayview property at around midday. A tow truck appeared shortly after to remove five orange skip bins full of dirt and rocks.

The operation had already been extended by one day past the original five that had been planned.

Police drained the property’s septic tank three days ago and also brought in a blood-detection dog.

Specialist investigators used earth drilling machinery to break up the soil between the front of the house and the pool.

Detectives then employed a sifter to sort through dirt, soil and foundations in search of Lyn’s remains.

A pink cardigan, bearing marks consistent with a stabbing, was found buried in the soil in a partial dig next to the swimming pool in 2000.

Former NSW detective sergeant Bob Gibbs, who oversaw forensics during the 2000 dig, has previously told The Australian the earlier efforts ended prematurely due to budget constraints.

Lyn dawson graphic for the australian

Police drained the property’s septic tank three days ago and also brought in a blood-detection dog.

Specialist investigators used earth drilling machinery to break up the soil between the front of the house and the pool.

Detectives then employed a sifter to sort through dirt, soil and foundations in search of Lyn’s remains.

A pink cardigan, bearing marks consistent with a stabbing, was found buried in the soil in a partial dig next to the swimming pool in 2000.

Former NSW detective sergeant Bob Gibbs, who oversaw forensics during the 2000 dig, has previously told The Australian the earlier efforts ended prematurely due to budget constraints.

Additional reporting: Emily Ritchie