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The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher and His Wife

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The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher and His Wife

By: Rebecca Hazel
Narrated by: Natasha Beaumont
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About this listen

Teacher and former rugby league player Chris Dawson appeared to have it all - a loving family and a beautiful home in Sydney's Northern Beaches. But in the summer of 1982 his wife Lynette disappeared and not long afterwards Dawson married a much younger woman, a former student.

Less than a decade later this young woman escaped the marriage and went to the police to record her suspicions that Dawson had been involved in Lynette's disappearance. A homicide investigation followed but got nowhere until 1998, when Detective Sergeant Damian Loone was handed Lynette's file. For nearly two decades he made it his business to honour Lynette and to find out what had happened to her. His work led to two coronial investigations, but no charges.

Around this time Rebecca Hazel was working in a women's refuge on the Northern Beaches when a colleague shared her story of enduring coercive control at the hands of Dawson, when she was his student, and then wife and she shared her suspicions about the fate of his first wife Lynette. These revelations affected Rebecca, and eventually she decided to investigate.

Over years, coroners, police and journalists all shared with Rebecca their knowledge of the case, and disappointments that it remained unsolved. Until, in May 2018, Hedley Thomas launched the Teacher's Pet podcast, and in December 2018, Chris Dawson was charged with murder. He was convicted in August 2022.

Rebecca Hazel has spent ten years working to ensure that the stories of two women who were misused by Chris Dawson are heard, that their perpetrator is brought to justice and that Lynette's family can properly honour their much-loved sister, aunt, cousin and mother.

©2023 Rebecca Hazel (P)2023 Penguin Random House Australia
Murder True Crime Marriage Crime
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Well read , well researched . Thanks for writing this book I’m sure Lynne’s family really appreciated your help in convicting this evil evil man .

Excellent account

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This is a compelling and insightful book, written with empathy and intelligence. The author’s understanding of the broader context of domestic violence, coercion and control contribute to the work.

An insightful book, written from the heart

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It was good to hear a bit of JC's side of the story, Such a terrible and sad tale, I wish they could find Lynette's body. This (true) story - when you hear all the facts, makes you flabbergasted that it too so long to convict Chris. Anyone interested in this should look into the case of the death of Kurt Cobain. There is just SO much around that story - so many different facts - that just 'reeks' of foul play. So unfair that there is injustice in this world.

So Sad

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This gripping account of the well known story is artfully and empathetically conveyed. Rebecca immerses readers/listeners as she delves into the enigmatic case of Lynette Simms.

The portrayal of JC stands out profoundly. Her resilience and tenacity, despite her tumultuous past, are truly inspirational.

I really hope that Lyn’s daughters, her family, JC, and Lyn’s circle of friends find the support and healing they need after enduring such a harrowing ordeal.

A captivating account of an incredulous story

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Well researched and riveting account of an incredible crime that went unsolved for too long.

Fascinating story

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If you thought you knew everything about this sorry subject, think again. While no startling evidence is revealed, the information provided by the author's research is evocative and humane.

More details provided in this well written account.

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I am so pleased for Lyn Dawson and her family that the truth has finally been recognised.
A well researched and well read account of this tragic story.

Justice for Lyn

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Without Rebecca and Hedley and Damien constantly following up with all the leads that they had, and sought, I don’t believe this outcome would have been achieved. It shows how far corruption went in the 80’s within the system and how idolised some sport stars were held above the law.

The dogged persistence of everyone involved in solving this hideous crime.

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I thought I knew all there was to to know about the Chris Dawson case. This book was eye opening, interesting and I whizzed through it. Amazing book!!

Amazing!!

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This story has intrigued me for years now, so it was good to hear some information I hadn’t heard before. Highly recommend it.

Loved it

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