'No body no parole' laws should be introduced in NSW, to encourage convicted murderer Chris Dawson to reveal where his wife Lynette is located.
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A petition calling for the law has been launched by Chris and Lynette Dawson's former babysitter Bev McNally, nee Staniforth.
Ms McNally was the first person to report witnessing Dawson's rough treatment of his wife, The Teacher's Pet podcast revealed.
In the two days since the petition was launched, it has gained more than 2700 signatures, including from a respondent called Damian Loone.
"Victims of homicide need closure. There are convicted murders nearing their sentence without disclosing the whereabouts of the body," he wrote.
"They should never be released on parole without disclosing."
Detective Sergeant Damian Loone led the investigation into Lynette's disappearance, and gave evidence in Dawson's murder trial in the NSW Supreme Court.
In the petition, Ms McNally said while justice was served during the murder trial, the final piece of the puzzle was to find Lynette's body.
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"Lyn's family have battled for years to clear her name and have her truth told, but the closure they need would come from being able to put her to rest properly, and they are not alone," she said.
"There are many other families out there also waiting for their loved ones to come home."
Ms McNally is using the petition to call on NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman to "get in line with other states" and "make Lyn's Law national".
The closure they need would come from being able to put her to rest properly, and they are not alone.
- Bev McNally
In August 2017, 'no body no parole' legislation was introduced in Queensland for prisoners serving jail time for homicide.
"Withholding the location of a body extends the suffering of victims' families and all efforts should be made to attempt to minimise this sorrow," Parole Board Queensland states on its website.
On August 31, 2022, Dawson was found guilty of Lynette's murder. Justice Ian Harrison said he was "left in no doubt" that she died "as a result of conscious or voluntary act committed by Christopher Dawson".
Dawson has always asserted he is innocent of the crime.
"He [Dawson] will continue to assert that innocence and he'll certainly appeal," Dawson's barrister Greg Walsh said following the verdict.
Since arriving at Silverwater jail, Dawson has been getting 'constant threats' and has asked for special protection, Mr Walsh said.
A sentence hearing will be held on November 11.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
