A judge rules former Sydney teacher Chris Dawson should face a murder trial over the disappearance of his wife Lynette — but not until at least June next year to ensure a fair trial amid a 'media storm' around the case.
A judge has ruled former Sydney teacher Chris Dawson should face a murder trial over the disappearance of his wife Lynette — but not until at least mid-next year to ensure a fair trial amid a "media storm" around the case.His legal team argued pre-trial publicity from a podcast could prejudice a juryMr Dawson, 72, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Lynette Dawson, who was last seen at their Northern Beaches home in 1982.
A permanent stay would mean the indictment which charges Mr Dawson with murder would not proceed to trial. Mr Dawson's legal team claimed the "unreasonable delay" in the commencement of the proceedings was among the reasons he would not receive a fair trial."The accused also contended that his trial will be irredeemably unfair because of the nature and extent of public commentary across a range of electronic media and social media platforms concerning Lynette Dawson's 'disappearance' and her suspected murder," the summary said.
No application for a permanent stay had ever been based on a podcast and the "media storm" which it generated, she said.
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