Psychic’s active role
Dawson’s not guilty plea to murder
THE former husband of Sydney woman Lynette Dawson has formally pleaded not guilty to her murder, but his lawyer has raised concerns about the role of a clairvoyant in the case and possible contamination of evidence.
Chris Dawson, a former rugby league player and teacher, was charged in December over the disappearance of his then-wife Lynette on Sydney’s northern beaches in 1982.
The case became the subject of journalist Hedley Thomas’ internationally successful podcast, The Teacher’s Pet, which was published by The Australian newspaper.
The newspaper earlier this week agreed to pull down information from its website that related to the prosecution case, Downing Centre Local Court was told yesterday.
It came as Dawson’s lawyer Greg Walsh entered a formal not guilty plea before deputy chief magistrate Michael Allen.
But Mr Walsh also raised concerns about the “risk of contamination” to evidence as a result of the impact of Thomas’ podcast.
The lawyer said documents provided to his office revealed a psychic medium had been involved in the case and had taken a “very active role” with Thomas in interviewing witnesses.
Later, outside court, Mr Walsh provided reporters with an image he claims shows a police investigator and Lynette’s siblings meeting with a medium.
The lawyer said it was “bizarre” Thomas had used psychics to investigate Lynette’s fate and – along with police – put the findings forward as credible information.
“Anyone using their common sense would say … ‘why would police be utilising someone who is using tarot cards’?” he told reporters.
“It defies belief.” He also raised concerns the psychic’s interactions with important witnesses, such as Ms Dawson’s siblings, could distort or cement memories.
The court heard both prosecutors and the defence had so far identified eight witnesses they would likely examine.
Among them was Thomas and a 100-year-old woman who said she saw Ms Dawson long after the disappearance, but not Mr Dawson himself, Mr Walsh said outside court. The matter is expected back before the same court on August 8.