The journalist behind the popular podcast The Teacher's Pet, about the disappearance of Sydney woman Lynette Dawson, may have "shredded" material that could be significant to the case, a court has been told.
Former rugby league player and teacher Chris Dawson has been charged with murdering Lyn in 1982 on Sydney's northern beaches.
Dawson's lawyer, Greg Walsh, took aim at News Corp Australia journalist Hedley Thomas on Thursday for interviewing witnesses relevant to an ongoing police investigation.
Mr Walsh told Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court that Thomas hadn't disclosed all relevant material to investigators and may have "shredded" some.
Former teacher Chris Dawson has been charged with murdering Lyn in 1982 on Sydney's northern beaches. Source: AAP
"This material is vitally important to the defence," the lawyer told chief magistrate Graeme Henson.
Mr Walsh indicated he'd lodge an application to have Thomas give evidence at Dawson's committal hearing.
Prosecutors told the court they'd want to cross-examine Thomas if he did appear.
If NSW Police can't obtain and hand over the material, Mr Walsh said, he may issue subpoenas to Thomas.
Dawson, who's on bail after being charged in December, travelled from Queensland to be in court on Thursday as his lawyer requested a variation to his police reporting conditions.
He sat silently in the back row next to his brother Peter.
The exact nature of what material may have been destroyed is unclear but the court heard it could include "master tapes" of interviews with witnesses.
The fact material may have been shredded emerged, according to Mr Walsh, when Thomas appeared at a public event in Brisbane in 2017.
News Corp journalist Hedley Thomas. Source: DIG
The journalist fielded questions from an audience and stated that part of episode seven of his podcast needed to be "shredded" because someone could "go to jail if it airs", Dawson's lawyer told the court.
Outside court, Mr Walsh said he'd be prepared to fight "a significant argument" to show Thomas had waived his privilege to protect his sources.
Dawson was arrested on the Gold Coast in December and extradited to NSW where he was charged with murdering his wife.
Ms Dawson was 33 when she went missing in early 1982 leaving behind two young daughters.
The matter is expected back before the same court on June 20. Thomas has been contacted for comment.
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