The Teacher's Accuser Episode 4: Closing Arguments
The Teacher's Accuser Episode 4: Closing Arguments
8Description
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.
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The National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service can be reached on 1800RESPECT.
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This case is just the tip of the iceberg of sexual assault during the 70's and 80's. I had a teacher in primary school (Years 4-5) who would run his fingers up the back of my legs while marking my work. He would run his fingers around the edges of my underpants. I wasn't the only one. A lot of the pupils referred to him as a "sex maniac" - probably the only way we knew to describe this as kids. Adults said we should not show such disrespect for our teacher. I regret sincerely not reporting him, but I was concerned, even at age 10, of the repercussions for his son who was in my year 6 class. Mr Mann came into our classroom and totally humiliated his son (I can't remember why) in front of the whole class and the Year 6 teacher. His son could not help but cry and then his father berated him for crying. I have so much regret that I did not stand up and confront Mr Mann. Later I had a total lech of a Year9-10 English teacher who told me personally that he was "fascinated by sex", gave us a