Sensational Australian crime podcast The Teacher's Pet, which gripped its listeners for months, has prompted an arrest by authorities in a decades-old cold case.
The Teacher's Pet originally triggered a murder investigation to be re-opened by police, and now the husband of the mum-of-two who disappeared has been arrested.
The podcast, which had over 27 million downloads, told the story of 33-year-old Lynette Dawson, who went suddenly missing from her northern beaches home on 9th January, 1982.
Her husband at the time, Chris Dawson, has now been arrested and will be extradited from Queensland to New South Wales.
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According to local Australian reports, it is expected that 70-year-old Chris will be charged with her murder.
He appeared at Southport Magistrates court on Wednesday, keeping his head bowed. He wore a T-shirt, shorts and bare feet, said the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
An application for bail from his lawyer has been opposed by police, it was also reported.
Lynette left behind two young daughters when she vanished, and PE teacher Chris didn't report her missing for almost six weeks.
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But within days of her disappearance, Chris moved his 16-year-old schoolgirl lover into their family home.
Two coronial inquiries since her disappearance have found Lynette was probably murdered by somebody she knew.
Her husband maintains that he had nothing to do with her disappearance.
His direct family released a statement to ABC, in which they said they were 'disappointed'.
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It read: "There is clear and uncontested evidence that Lyn Dawson was alive long after she left Chris and their daughters," the statement said.
"We have no doubt whatsoever that Chris will be found not guilty, as he is innocent."
However, Lynette's brother told The Australian: "We've had a cry, we've cuddled, we're just completely over the moon that something has finally happened."
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said detectives made the arrest after receiving additional information.
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"They were predominantly statements from witnesses that helped us tie pieces of the puzzle together," he said, adding that finding Lynette's remains was "not crucial to finalising the matter".
Mr Fuller said: "We're certainly hoping an interview with this 70-year-old man who's currently in custody in Queensland will assist us with the outcome of where the body may be."
You can listen to The Teacher's Pet podcast here.
Topics: TV News