0
0
Wife killer Chris Dawson will spend one more year behind bars before he is eligible for parole over having an unlawful relationship with his teenage student decades ago.
Judge Sarah Huggett found the 75-year-old former teacher and rugby player guilty of one count of carnal knowledge as a teacher of a girl over 10 and under 17 years of age, in a judge alone trial in June.
Dawson was jailed in 2022 for killing his wife Lynette, who was last seen alive in 1982, and will be eligible for parole on that charge in August 2040, when he is aged 92.
Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>
He appeared via AVL from prison in the Downing Centre District Court on Friday as Judge Sarah Huggett sentenced him to three years in prison for the carnal knowledge charge, with a non-parole period of two years.
With some of the sentence to be served concurrently, his non-parole period has now been extended by one year.
He will now be eligible for parole in August 2041, however his age and no-body no-parole laws mean he is likely to die in prison.
Chris Dawson. Credit: Dean Lewins/AAPJudge Sarah Huggett sentenced Dawson on Friday. Credit: AAP
A Supreme Court judge earlier found Dawson killed his wife Lynette to pursue an unfettered relationship with a student.
Dawson groomed the girl, known as AB, while she was aged 16 and in year 11.
The then 32-year-old took active steps to become her teacher, singled her out, told her she was beautiful and encouraged her to confide in him, the court heard.
He also attended pubs on Friday nights where AB drank underage with her friends.
“She came to trust him,” Huggett said in sentencing him.
“It was not spontaneous … it was rather the result of some forethought and planning.”
Dawson and AB first engaged in sexual activity at the Maroubra home of Dawson’s parents while they were out of town in the latter half of 1980.
While she was in year 12, the pair had a lawful relationship, which lasted for about eight years.
The court heard Dawson’s mental health had deteriorated since his incarceration, and he has a mild cognitive impairment and is in the early phase of dementia.
“It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, some days I wake up feeling all right, other days I feel unmotivated,” Dawson told a psychiatrist, the court heard.
Dawson continues to deny the offence and has shown no remorse, Huggett said.
The 75-year-old has indicated he plans to appeal the conviction.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
Dog walker found dead in street after failing to return home
Aged care worker killed on way home
