Chris Dawson Appeared Via Video Link For Court This Afternoon

Chris Dawson appeared before the Central Local Court this afternoon just after 2.20pm after being charged with the murder of his ex-wife Lyn Dawson in 1982.

Appearing via video link, Dawson only spoke during proceedings to confirm his identity at the beginning of proceedings.

The commencement of the matter was delayed from the predicted 2pm start as the magistrate "had not received the papers".

Dawson was wearing a dark grey/brown polo shirt, and sat staring straight ahead, not looking into the camera directly.

He later looked down at the floor as discussions about bail applications got underway.

Dawson had his arms crossed the entire time.

Dawson's lawyers did not apply for bail today, and instead the application will be made next Friday.

He will appear via video link again for that court appearance, and plead not guilty.

"One of the things that concerns me is that this man, Chris Dawson, is entitled to the presumption of innocence," his lawyer Greg Walsh told reporters.

"He will plead not guilty and he strenuously asserts his innocence, and he should be afforded that fundamental right.

"I would ask everybody to let the court do its work - and that's very important in our justice system."