Podcast · News

The Teacher's Trial

by The Australian · English · News

From Hedley Thomas and the journalists at The Australian, The Teacher's Trial follows the events in the trial of Chris Dawson, who is accused of the murder of his wife Lynette Dawson. To read The Australian's ongoing coverage of the trial search The Teacher's Trial or click here.

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New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 2 min
Latest: 13 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Sep 2026 · 17 min

The Poisoned Wife – and a cop who didn’t buy her husband’s story

Journalist Hedley Thomas joins us with a special insight into where his blockbuster podcast investigation The Poisoned Wife is heading. After the 1986 murder of Rosslyn McQueen, the Homicide Squad rolls into tiny Lockwood, Victoria to question husband Ray, who is infatuated with a teenage girl - and the police interview changes everything. He suspects a neighbour of poisoning his wife Ros. Meanwhile, Ray’s attention is focused on a vulnerable 17-year-old girl. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel . Husband accused of…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S2 · 31 Mar 2025 · 14 min
From The Front: The first kiss Chris Dawson says proves his innocence
In the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal, Christopher Michael Dawson says he’s not guilty of unlawful carnal knowledge of a schoolgirl. The Front is The Australian's daily news podcast. You can find out more about it here . You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for…
S1 · 13 Jun 2024 · 18 min
From The Front: Chris Dawson is staying in jail
This is an episode of The Australian's daily news podcast, The Front. Chris Dawson has suffered another humiliation, losing an appeal against his conviction for the 1982 murder of his wife Lynette in 1982. Find out more about The Front podcast here . You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Original music is composed by Jasper Leak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31 May 2024 · 1 hr 12 min
Listen to episode 1 of BRONWYN
The Teacher's Trial creator Hedley Thomas returns with a new podcast investigation for The Australian. Subscribers to The Australian and registered users hear episodes of ‘Bronwyn’ first. Plus, you can read more about this case and see exclusive stories, maps, timelines, graphics, video and more at bronwynpodcast.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 May 2024 · 21 min
From The Front: Hedley Thomas’ new cold case podcast, 'Bronwyn'
Where is Bronwyn Winfield? The devoted mum has been missing since 1993 – and the man behind The Teacher’s Pet is on the case. Go to theaustralian.com.au/bronwyn to listen. Plus, you can read more about this case and see exclusive stories, maps, timelines, graphics, video and more. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Josh Burton. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou and original music is composed by Jasper Leak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · 13 May 2024 · 19 min
From The Front: The Teacher's Appeal
Christopher Michael Dawson has launched an appeal, arguing Justice Ian Harrison got it wrong — and claiming he’s not guilty of Lyn’s murder. The Front is covering the NSW Supreme Court proceedings every day. Find out more about it here, or keep up to date on The Australian's website and app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou and original music is composed by Jasper Leak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10 Nov 2023 · 26 min
Bonus: Hedley reads Chapter 1 of his new book, The Teacher's Pet
Listen to Hedley Thomas reading Chapter 1 of his new book, The Teacher's Pet. The book is published by Pan Macmillan and is available at all good bookstores, and wherever you get audiobooks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E7 · 29 Sep 2023 · 1 hr 25 min
The Teacher's Accuser Episode 7: Between The Lines
Three books on this remarkable story are published: Hedley Thomas’ book The Teacher’s Pet , Shanelle Dawson’s memoir My Mother’s Eyes , and lawyer Rebecca Hazel’s The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher, and His Wife . To read The Australian's ongoing coverage of the trial, search The Teacher's Accuser or visit theteachersaccuser.com.au . For daily updates from The Australian, search for "The Front" in your podcast app. The National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service can be reached on 1800RESPECT. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E6 · 22 Sep 2023 · 1 hr 23 min
The Teacher’s Accuser Episode 6: Ducking And Weaving
Hedley and the team are back to dissect Judge Sarah Huggett’s three-year sentence for Chris Dawson’s unlawful carnal knowledge of a schoolgirl. But in another court, a new drama plays out as education authorities try to dodge accountability for his crimes. We hear the first-hand accounts of students who encountered Dawson in his heyday, and examine the prison reality of a man whose narcissism has brought him all the way back to where it all began. To read The Australian's ongoing coverage of the trial, search The Teacher's Accuser or visit theteachersaccuser.com.au . For daily…
S2 · 15 Sep 2023 · 18 min
From The Front: Three more years for Chris Dawson
Grey, shrunken and hiding his face, Chris Dawson is sentenced for unlawful carnal knowledge of a schoolgirl. Hedley Thomas joins us. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about this story and more on The Australian's website or search for The Australian in your app store. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet, and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Original music is composed by Jasper Leak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8 Sep 2023 · 44 min
From The Front: Inside podcasting with Hedley Thomas and David Murray
Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey and David Murray reveal how our smash-hit podcasts get made. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about this story and more on The Australian's website or search for The Australian in your app store. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet, and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E5 · 30 Jun 2023 · 1 hr
The Teacher's Accuser Episode 5: Truth
"The accused committed an act of carnal knowledge while she was 16 years of age in his and his pupil.” That was the judgement of Judge Sarah Huggett, who found Christopher Michael Dawson guilty of carnal knowledge on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. She said the complainant’s evidence had a “ring of truth” that could only lead her to this stunning conclusion. In this episode Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey, David Murray, and Matthew Condon discuss the verdict, as well as Chris Dawson’s reaction to it and what it means for the family of Lynette Dawson. To read The…
30 Jun 2023 · 1 min
It's back: The Teacher's Pet returns for Australian listeners
The Australian's global smash-hit podcast Teacher's Pet returns for Australian audiences on July 1. You can find it wherever you got this podcast. Just search for "The Teacher's Pet". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · 28 Jun 2023 · 3 min
From The Front: Chris Dawson found guilty of carnal knowledge
Christopher Michael Dawson has been found guilty of carnal knowledge of a complainant who was his student at Cromer High School in 1980. The Front is The Australian's daily news podcast. You can find it wherever you got this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E4 · 16 Jun 2023 · 1 hr 27 min
The Teacher's Accuser Episode 4: Closing Arguments
The carnal knowledge trial of Christopher Michael Dawson has officially come to a close. Just as he did in his murder trial, Dawson exercised his right to silence: he did not give evidence in his own defence. In this episode, Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey, David Murray, and Matthew Condon discuss the closing submissions of Crown Prosecutor Emma Blizard and defence barrister Claire Wasley. Plus, we dissect the evidence of the final witnesses called by the Crown. To read The Australian's ongoing coverage of the trial, search The Teacher's Accuser or visit theteachersaccuser.com.au . For daily…
S2 · E3 · 9 Jun 2023 · 1 hr 5 min
The Teacher's Accuser Episode 3: Cross-Examination
“I want it to end”: the emotional plea from Chris Dawson’s accuser, AB, during a sometimes fiery courtroom battle with public defender Claire Wasley. At one point, AB dismissed Wasley’s suggestions as “garbage” In this episode, Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey, David Murray, and Matthew Condon analyse AB’s testimony under pressure, and we get to know what Paul Dawson was allegedly up to all those years ago. To read The Australian's ongoing coverage of the trial, search The Teacher's Accuser or visit theteachersaccuser.com.au . For daily updates from The…
S2 · E2 · 2 Jun 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
The Teacher's Accuser Episode 2: ‘A Pleasure To Teach’
Forty-three years after she alleges Christopher Michael Dawson abused her for the first time, the complainant in the convicted murderer’s latest trial has told her story in court. Identified only as AB for legal reasons, she says she was 16 years old and a student of Dawson's when the alleged sexual activity first took place – a claim Dawson has denied. Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey, David Murray, and Matthew Condon discuss AB’s evidence-in-chief, along with opening statements from Crown prosecutor Emma Blizard and defence barrister Claire Wasley. To read The Australian's…
S2 · E1 · 29 May 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
The Teacher's Accuser Episode 1: A New Trial
Handcuffed and in prison greens, Christopher Michael Dawson faces a new charge – this time, unlawful carnal knowledge of a 16-year-old schoolgirl. The charge dates back to 1980, when he was her sports teacher at a Northern Beaches high school. Dawson denies the charge, and will argue instead they didn't have sex until after her 17th birthday. We trace this story back to the start, unpack the history of this antiquated-sounding charge, find out what's happening with Dawson's murder appeal, and bring you all the action from Day 1 of this gripping new trial. To read The Australian's…
29 May 2023 · 2 min
Introducing The Teacher's Accuser
Just months into his 24-year prison term for murdering wife Lynette Simms, Chris Dawson is back before the courts, pleading not guilty to carnal knowledge of a schoolgirl in 1980, when he was her sports teacher. Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey, David Murray, Matthew Condon, Kristen Amiet and Jasper Leak return with Season 2 of our acclaimed podcast The Teacher’s Trial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E22 · 2 Dec 2022 · 1 hr 44 min
Episode 22: It’s Over
Christopher Michael Dawson will likely die in prison. That was the stark declaration of Justice Ian Harrison SC in the NSW Supreme Court, sentencing Dawson to 24 years imprisonment with no chance of parole until 2040. We hear every word of Justice Ian Harrison’s sentencing remarks, plus reactions from Lyn and Chris’ family, and from the police and lawyers. And we revisit some of the voices you heard right at the beginning of this podcast investigation: the women who believed Lyn had been murdered, and who refused to be silent. Plus, Hedley meets one very special member of our…
S1 · E21 · 11 Nov 2022 · 1 hr 37 min
Episode 21: Shanelle
Lyn's oldest daughter, Shanelle Dawson, walked into a Sydney courtroom and spoke from the heart about the killing of her mother, the selfishness of her father, and the ongoing damage to her life as a result of the murder. Shanelle's extraordinary victim impact statement, delivered by her through tears, sorrow and anger, brought witnesses and even court staff to tears. Lyn's siblings, Greg Simms and Pat Jenkins, shared their pain too, as Justice Ian Harrison weighed the sentence he will impose on convicted killer Chris Dawson, 40 years after Lyn's death. For daily updates from The Australian,…
27 Sep 2022 · 1 min
Introducing: Shandee's Legacy
Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey, David Murray, and Matthew Condon return to cover hearings in a major public inquiry into Queensland's state-run DNA lab. A new episode will be published at the end of every week, for the duration of the inquiry. Search for "Shandee's Story" in your podcast app, and press follow or subscribe to be notified when new episodes are released. You can read The Australian's coverage of the inquiry at theaustralian.com.au . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E20 · 16 Sep 2022 · 1 hr 5 min
Verdict Episode 3: Lyn's Legacy
In our third and final episode diving into Justice Ian Harrison's meticulously detailed judgment, we look at the evidence of Lyn being bruised and her accounts of being subjected to acts of violence at the hands of her husband Chris. Hedley, Claire, Matthew, and David also discuss the judge’s findings about the evidence given by members of the Simms and Dawson camps, as well as “the paper boy" and "the trolley boy". As this will be our final episode for some time, we consider Lyn Dawson's legacy and hear from one listener about the profound impact a verdict 40 years in the making…
S1 · E19 · 9 Sep 2022 · 1 hr 16 min
Verdict Episode 2: He Said, She Said
“A brilliant piece of writing.” That’s the verdict of acclaimed author Matthew Condon on Justice Ian Harrison’s 238-page judgment. Our in-depth analysis of the decision begins with the lie that brought Chris Dawson's defence undone: a call – supposedly made by his wife, Lyn – to the Northbridge Baths on January 9, 1982. Hedley, Claire, David, and Matthew also take a closer look at the evidence of JC, turning up damning details of how Dawson would buy the teenage student chocolate before they had sex in his car. The convicted killer’s sex with JC…
S1 · E18 · 2 Sep 2022 · 1 hr 11 min
Verdict Episode 1: Before And After
Forty years after Lyn Dawson disappeared from Sydney's Northern Beaches, Christopher Michael Dawson has been convicted of her murder. In this episode, we'll take you to the moments leading up to and following that pivotal moment. Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey, David Murray, and Matthew Condon share their experience of being in the courtroom when Justice Ian Harrison handed down his explosive verdict. Plus, we'll hear what this finding means for Lyn's family, who never stopped fighting for justice for their beloved daughter, sister, and aunt. To read The Australian's ongoing coverage of the…
S1 · 30 Aug 2022 · 2 min
GUILTY
Christopher Michael Dawson has finally learned his fate after Justice Ian Harrison handed down his verdict in the NSW Supreme Court. Dawson was charged with one count of murdering his wife, Lynette, in early 1982. We hear from retired homicide detective, Gary Jubelin, what happens next, now that the marathon trial and deliberations have wrapped. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E17 · 26 Aug 2022 · 1 hr 15 min
Episode 17: Anticipation
After 40 years, a verdict is just days away. As anticipation builds, we answer more of your questions: What happened to the dressmaker who Lyn talked to about her bruises and her “violent” husband Chris? Do inquest findings carry any weight in a criminal trial? What does reasonable doubt mean anyway? We have a frank and honest discussion about how the language we use to talk about crime has evolved. And we hear from a woman who's travelling hundreds of kilometres to hear the verdict in person out of respect for Lyn, a woman she has never met. For daily updates from The…
S1 · E16 · 19 Aug 2022 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 16: Save The Date
We finally get an answer to the question that's been lingering for weeks: when will Justice Ian Harrison return a verdict? We're also taking the opportunity to answer some of the fascinating and complex questions sent in by you, our listeners. And we meet a figure who's loomed over the trial of Christopher Michael Dawson: Helena Simms, the mother of Lynette Dawson, who never stopped looking for her beloved, lost daughter. For daily updates from The Australian, search for "The Front" in your podcast app. The National Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Counselling Service can be reached on…
S1 · E15 · 12 Aug 2022 · 1 hr 6 min
Episode 15: Super Sleuths
Two coroners examined Lyn Dawson’s disappearance and recommended a ‘known person’ - her husband Chris - be charged with her murder. We delve into how the inquests unfolded, finding out what one of the coroners had to say when Chris, his twin brother Paul, and Paul’s wife Marilyn did not attend. And we explore the interaction between podcasting and the criminal justice system, talking to two women who turned to audio investigations after all else failed, with remarkable results. For daily updates from The Australian, search for "The Front" in your podcast app. The…
S1 · E14 · 5 Aug 2022 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 14: Memory Lane
We revisit the volatile decade that was the 1970s, Chris and Paul Dawson’s heyday. They were at the peak of their celebrity as well known sporting figures and male models, exploiting the novelty of being identical twins in everything they did. Many years later as police close in over Lyn’s suspected murder, phone-taps capture more conversations between the brothers and within the Dawson clan. And we take a look at the role of the meticulous young Homicide Unit cold case detective who first became involved in 2015 and ultimately brought the murder case to court. For daily updates…

About The Teacher's Trial

The Teacher's Trial is a English news podcast from The Australian. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Australian
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 2 min
Latest episode: 13 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1623945753

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