A woman who claims former Sydney school teacher Chris Dawson groomed her into a sexual relationship when she was 16 years old had an emotional outburst in the final minutes of her cross-examination in court.
Key points:
- Chris Dawson is on trial facing one count of carnal knowledge
- His accuser known, as AB, was questioned over her recollection of events
- She denied she was making things up, saying she just wanted it to end
Dawson is on trial facing one count of carnal knowledge as a teacher of a girl aged over 10 and under 17.
The 74-year-old, who is behind bars serving a 24-year prison sentence for the murder of his first wife Lynette Simms, has pleaded not guilty.
He does not dispute he engaged in sexual activity with the woman when she was a student at the Northern Beaches high school where he taught, but claims she had already turned 17.
Under cross-examination, defence lawyer Claire Wasley questioned the complainant, known as AB, about her recollection of the time she and Dawson first kissed.
AB previously told the court the incident took place inside Dawson’s car at Dee Why Beach when she was 16 — some days or weeks before they first engaged in sexual activity at his parent’s home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
She agreed today that in an earlier statement to police, she said Dawson had been giving her a driving lesson at the time.
“I suggest driving lessons could not have commenced until after you had your learner’s permit,” Ms Wasley put to her.
“I never suggested we went for driving lessons before then,” AB replied.
In earlier evidence, AB said she had obtained her learner’s licence when she was 16 years and nine months old.
But later in the cross-examination, she said she wasn’t certain.
“It’s quite possible that I was getting driving lessons with [Dawson] before I got my licence,” she said.
“I suggest that’s something you’ve just made up in the witness box now,” Ms Wasley replied.
The comment prompted an emotional outburst from the usually composed complainant.
“No, I don’t make these things up,” she said in tears.
“These things happened to me, and I’m so sick of this, trying to justify everything I say.
“I know this is your job, but this is my life.”
When asked if she needed a break, she shook her head.
“No, I just want it to end, that’s all I want.”
AB’s testimony has now concluded.
Her sister is due to give evidence at the trial when proceedings resume next week.