The Teacher’s Pet: Chris Dawson’s family responds to arrest

The family of Chris Dawson has “no doubt whatsoever” he will be found not guilty following his arrest this morning.

Chris Dawson was arrested this morning. Picture: Channel 9

The family of Chris Dawson has “no doubt whatsoever” he will be found not guilty, releasing a statement following his arrest this morning.

The 70-year-old was taken into custody, set to be charged with her murder once he is extradited to NSW.

But his family believe he will be cleared.

“We are disappointed at the decision of the DPP as there is clear and uncontested evidence that Lyn Dawson was alive long after she left Chris and their daughters,” the statement reads.

“We have no doubt whatsoever that Chris will be found not guilty as he is innocent.”

Statement from Chris Dawson’s family re arrest pic.twitter.com/mWQy7LhvM0

— Jessica Ridley (@jessicaridleytv) December 5, 2018

Lyn’s family reacts

Lyn’s brother Gregg Simms this morning said he was “quite emotional”.

“We’ve had a cry, we’ve cuddled, we’re just completely over the moon that something has finally happened.”

Relative Allyson Jennings, who runs the Looking for Lynette Dawson Facebook page, was overwhelmed.

“I never thought this day would ever come. I really didn’t.

“Mum told me, then my brother messaged me as well. I’ve been in a work meeting and I got a text.

“It’s a big day but it’s also the beginning of a very scary journey. It’s the beginning of a very long legal process.”

Mr Dawson’s arrest comes almost 37 years after Lyn vanished from Sydney’s northern beaches in January 1982 and follows The Australian’s investigative podcast series The Teacher’s Pet.