23 episodes

Lyn and Chris Dawson appear to have the perfect marriage. He's a star footballer and popular high school teacher. She's a devoted wife and mother. They share a beautiful home above Sydney's northern beaches. But when Lyn goes missing, dark secrets are buried. This is no fairytale, but a sordid story of strangely close twin brothers, a vulnerable teenage student, and a shattering disappearance. The Australian's Hedley Thomas digs deep into a 40-year-old tragedy. In August 2022, Chris Dawson was convicted of murder. Some legal proceedings are still on foot, so in this rereleased series you will hear some bleeps.

The Teacher's Pet Crime X

    • True Crime
    • 4.2 • 218 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Lyn and Chris Dawson appear to have the perfect marriage. He's a star footballer and popular high school teacher. She's a devoted wife and mother. They share a beautiful home above Sydney's northern beaches. But when Lyn goes missing, dark secrets are buried. This is no fairytale, but a sordid story of strangely close twin brothers, a vulnerable teenage student, and a shattering disappearance. The Australian's Hedley Thomas digs deep into a 40-year-old tragedy. In August 2022, Chris Dawson was convicted of murder. Some legal proceedings are still on foot, so in this rereleased series you will hear some bleeps.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Bonus episode: Hedley Thomas talks The Teacher’s Pet with Raymond Bonner

    Bonus episode: Hedley Thomas talks The Teacher’s Pet with Raymond Bonner

    Hedley Thomas sits down with Pulitzer Prize winner and former NYT foreign correspondent Raymond Bonner to discuss his new book, The Teacher's Pet, at Bookoccino book shop on Sydney's Northern Beaches. 

    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.

    • 1 hr 1 min
    From I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin: Remembering Lynette with Hedley Thomas (Part 2)

    From I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin: Remembering Lynette with Hedley Thomas (Part 2)

    Lynette Dawson, now remembered as Lynette Simms, went missing from her Bayview home in 1982. But it would take another 40 years for her husband Chris Dawson to be convicted of her murder.

    In this special episode of the I Catch Killers podcast, Hedley Thomas shares his  personal connection to Lyn’s story with host Gary Jubelin.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 50 min
    From I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin: Catching A Killer with Hedley Thomas (Part 1)

    From I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin: Catching A Killer with Hedley Thomas (Part 1)

    A school teacher, a missing wife, and the student caught in the middle. The Teacher’s Pet was the podcast that captivated the world.

    In this special episode of the I Catch Killers podcast, award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas joins host Gary Jubelin to discuss the ins and outs of the investigation into Lynette Dawson’s disappearance — ultimately landing murderer Chris Dawson behind bars.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 47 min
    Bonus episode: Hedley reads Chapter 1 of his new book, The Teacher's Pet

    Bonus episode: 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.

    • 25 min
    From The Front: Three more years for Chris Dawson

    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.

    • 18 min
    Episode 16: Arrest

    Episode 16: Arrest

    Nearly 37 years after Lyn Dawson disappeared, police have arrested Chris Dawson over the alleged murder of his wife, taking him into custody and preparing his extradition to Sydney where he will face court. When the knock on the door came, the 70-year-old was calm. The timing may have been a surprise, but he’d known for a long time that this day may come. Calling the matter "a cold case murder", the magistrate denied Dawson's application for bail citing a high flight risk, and said the crown alleged domestic violence allegations against Chris Dawson would be raised in evidence, as well as testimony from JC. But Dawson's family believe he will be cleared, releasing a statement saying that he is innocent and that there is clear and uncontested evidence that Lyn Dawson was alive long after she left her husband and daughters. 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 46 min

Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5
218 Ratings

218 Ratings

ezmay7 ,

Riveting!

I became completely hooked on this podcast, and have now moved on to The Teacher’s Trial podcast. Amazing work Hedley!

kateharrisonvpa ,

Repetitive and frustrating

Dragged out and repetitive. Audio so bad at times, I had to skip ahead.

Misty1958 ,

Hedley is amazing

I believe Paul his brother should be charged too

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