Chris Dawson: Convicted murderer has sexual abuse charges appeal dismissed by NSW Supreme Court

Former rugby league player and Sydney school teacher Chris Dawson, who was convicted of murdering his wife Lynette Dawson, has had his bid to quash a sexual abuse charge dismissed in the NSW Supreme Court.

The sexual abuse conviction involved offences committed against a former female student under his care as a PE teacher in the 1980’s.

Dawson is fighting legal battles on multiple fronts from jail and continues to claim his innocence in the murder of his wife Lynette, which has garnered national attention for decades.

Ms Dawson disappeared from her home in Bayview on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 1982, with the now 76-year-old Dawson always claiming he had no idea of her whereabouts.

He was subsequently convicted of her murder, without the presence of a body, and sentenced to 24 years in jail.

Dawson’s latest legal blow to his efforts to reduce or overturn his sentences, came on Friday when the court NSW Court of Criminal Appeal delivered more bad news.

Justices Kristina Stern and Sarah McNaughton - who oversaw an appeal hearing in March - ruled to dismiss Dawson’s legal challenge.

Justice Peter Hamill was the lone judge in dissent, saying he would have allowed the appeal and quashed the conviction.

The carnal knowledge sentence, which relates to a former student known as AB who later moved into his home, added one year to his non-parole period.

At an appeal hearing in March, Dawson’s lawyers attempted to cast doubt on AB’s claims she had been sexually abused before her 17th birthday.

A person can only be convicted under the carnal knowledge offence - which was in place in 1982 - if the complainant is between 16 and 17 years old.

Dawson also claimed the verdict was unreasonable, asking the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal to overturn it.

The then teacher groomed AB during fitness classes and organised a tennis match so the girl could meet his wife and start babysitting, a District Court trial was told in 2023.

The teen started sleeping with Dawson and eventually moved into his home soon after Lynette was murdered and he disposed of her body, the NSW Supreme Court found when he was convicted over the killing in 2022.

Dawson is incarcerated at Sydney’s Silverwater prison and his 18-year non-parole period for murder expires in 2040.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

With AAP.