Chris Dawson spent his first night behind bars after being convicted of the murdering his wife 40 years ago.

Yesterday was the end to a marathon trial and judgement, where the former teacher and rugby league star was found guilty of the murder of his wife in 1982.

Journalist Hedley Thomas became obsessed with the disappearance of Lynette Dawson and shared her story in 2018 with his podcast The Teacher’s Pet, which re-opened inquiries into her vanishing.

Editorial director of The Australian and co-author of the podcast, The Teachers Trial, Claire Harvey covered the trial extensively and spoke to Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings about the case.

“All the little details that were overlooked when Lynette first went missing make you think how this could not have been investigated further all those years ago,” she told Bartlett.

“Much of what was overlooked back then comes down to the fact ‘he was a rugby league star, he was a celebrity and he was getting special treatment because of who he was’.”

Tap PLAY to found out where to hear the podcast.

Claire recounts the reaction of Chris Dawson’s family to the outcome of the trail.

“The elder daughter co-operated with the podcast and the investigation – however, the other two young women (Chris Dawson’s younger daughters) show continued support for their dad,” she said.

“Evidence clearly shows he is a mass gas lighter, even Lyn’s family believed him to the point they didn’t ask him any questions and I think that perception of his persists in his own family.”

The likelihood of an appeal is very much on the cards, with Claire referencing the hundreds of thousands of dollars Chris spent trying to avoid trial.

“No doubt if he has any money left, he will try to appeal.”

The remains of Lynette Dawson are still undiscovered and will most likely remain that way.