Lynette Dawson series underway, show lead accused of contaminating trial

The disappearance of Lynette Dawson is already being adapted into a series & its showrunner is being questioned for contaminating witnesses.

TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual assault and grooming discussed

The former husband of Lynette Dawson, Chis Dawson, is currently on trial for her murder. Lynette and Chris first met in high school back in 1965 and were later married at St. Jude’s Church, Randwick in Sydney in 1970. They had two children together and Chris played professional rugby between 1972 and 1976 for the Newton Jets with his identical twin brother Paul.

After their professional career ended, the two brothers began working as physical education teachers in which they were both accused of illicit sexual behaviour with female students at their respective high schools.

Chris was further alleged to have been 1 of 6 teachers that were part of a ring of male teachers that preyed on students at Cromer high school. In 1981 Chris groomed Cromer student Joanne Curtis before sleeping with her, Curtis temporarily moved into the Dawson house at the behest of Chris.

Two days after the disappearance of Lynette, January 10th, 1982, Joanne Curtis permanently moved into the Dawson residence with Chris.

Lynette and her mother spoke over the phone on January 8th, 1982, and decided that they would meet the following day at Northbridge Baths. That was reportedly the last time Lynette’s mother spoke to her as Lynette never showed up.

Chris didn’t report her missing until February 18th, 1982, around six weeks later. He told the police that she left the house due to marital problems which had stemmed from her overspending on her Bankcard.

Chris Dawson finalised divorce proceedings in 1983 and married Curtis the following year.

In 2001, it was determined by a coroner that Lynette had been murdered. In 2018, Chris was arrested and charged with the murder of Lynette and in 2019 he pleaded not guilty after being granted bail.

Now, American production cumpany Blumhouse has penned Hedley Thomas, creator of the podcast The Teacher’s Pet, to begin working on a series covering the events.

Thomas is now under question by Chris Dawson’s party for contaminating witnesses before the trial has concluded.

“You appreciated that would have been attractive to them?” Dawson’s barrister Pauline David asked the journalist.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.

Subscribe to Rolling Stone magazine

Subscribe to Rolling Stone magazine