R v Dawson [2022] NSWSC 552

On 3 April 2020 the accused, Christopher Michael Dawson, was arraigned in this Court on a charge that on or about 8 January 1982 he murdered Lynette Joy Dawson. He pleaded not guilty.

Mr Dawson’s trial is currently listed to commence on 9 May 2022. On 14 April 2022, he signed an election pursuant to s 132(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (“CPA”) for trial by a judge sitting without a jury. On the same day, he filed a notice of motion seeking that order.

The application was listed before The Honourable Beech-Jones CJ at CL on 2 May 2022. After refusing an application for adjournment, the matter proceeded. Shortly after submissions concluded, His Honour made an order granting the application for a Judge alone trial. His Honour stated that the reasons for that order would be published later. This judgment constitutes those reasons.

At the request of the parties, Beech-Jones CJ delayed publication of these reasons pending the outcome of an application for a non -publication order in respect of all aspects of the trial. On 9 May 2022, Harrison J refused that application… continue to the judgment below…

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