Former Sydney teacher Chris Dawson was “very flirtatious” and “very vain” as he interacted with a schoolgirl he would later marry, a close friend of the woman told a court.
Key points:
- Chris Dawson is accused of killing his wife Lynette in early 1982
- He pleaded not guilty
- Dawson married his former school student, JC, after the disappearance of his first wife
Dawson has pleaded not guilty to murder in the NSW Supreme Court and denies involvement in the disappearance of his first wife, Lynette, 40 years ago.
The Crown’s case is that Mr. Dawson allegedly killed his wife on or about January 8, 1982, in order to have a “free relationship” with a student at the school where he worked, known as JC. .
KL, a witness summoned by the Crown, told the judge today that he had a circle of 10 friends at Cromer High, including JC, and Mr Dawson was one of his physical education teachers.
“What comments did you make about their interaction? [JC]? ”Crown prosecutor Craig Everson SC asked.
“She was very flirtatious, she was very vain,” KL replied.
“[JC] they saw him regularly standing at the door of his physical education office, that’s what I remember. “
KL said she was “very friendly” with JC in 11, whom she described as “pretty” but “very reserved.”
The woman known as JC has testified during the trial. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)
KL told the court that he received high school results in January 1982 while camping in South West Rocks, on the north coast of NSW.
As she sat with JC, she saw Mr. Dawson standing behind them in the distance, near his car.
“I said‘ what are you doing here, ’” the witness said.
“We were all students.”
According to KL, JC responded “I don’t know” before his body language changed.
“She leaned over and walked away from where he was.”
JC’s sister told the court earlier that her home life in the early 1980s was “pretty horrible” because of her mother and stepfather’s “heavy drinking.”
“We stayed in our rooms and didn’t go out,” he said.
The woman told the court that she was “mocked” at school by other students who would sing the lyrics to the song Don’t Stand So Close to Me by the band The Police.
He said the lyrics were, “Young teacher, the subject of school fantasy.”
“It made me shudder,” the sister said, explaining that she “knew” they were referring to JC and Mr. Dawson.
Chris and Lynette Dawson were married in 1970. (Supplied)
The sister also recalled the trip to South West Rocks in January 1982 and said Mr. Dawson was there at one point, but “didn’t stay to sleep.”
She was “pretty sure” she went home with JC and Dawson, but she couldn’t remember the date they left.
In cross-examination, the witness admitted that other girls in her school were “in love” with the teachers and that “it was not uncommon.”
He was told in a 1998 police interview that he used to get angry at the song, but that he “secretly smiled a little” because they were “noticing” each other.
“So deep down, was there anything that made you feel good?” Asked Mr. Dawson’s attorney, Greg Walsh.
“I wouldn’t say well,” the witness replied, before clarifying that he was embarrassed.
The trial before Judge Ian Harrison continues.