Accused killer Chris Dawson will walk free on bail less than two weeks after he was sensationally charged with the high profile murder of his first wife Lyn.

Mr Dawson, a former rugby league player and high school teacher, appeared with his head bowed via video link to hear a bail application decision in Sydney’s Central Local Court today.

In delivering his decision, Magistrate Robert Williams said “the Crown’s case is not a weak case” but that if bail was refused Mr Dawson “will spend some 15 months in custody prior to trial”.

Mr Dawson — who has spent the last 12 days behind bars in Silverwater Prison — was granted bail on a $1.5 million security and will return to live in his Coolum home in Queensland with his wife.

“Thank you very much,” Mr Dawson said as the court adjourned.

The court heard Mr Dawson’s older brother Peter would offer a $750,000 bail surety and that the accused would also be required to put his million-dollar home on the line.

“No charges have been previously laid against (Mr Dawson),” the magistrate said.

“There is still a presumption of innocence … the applicant is not to be punished before conviction.

“The applicant has nil criminal history in New South Wales … or matters of violence in his 70 years.

“The applicant has shown cause why his detention is not justified.”

Magistrate Williams said if Mr Dawson was found guilty at trial he will “receive a lengthy custodial sentence”. As part of his bail conditions, Mr Dawson will be required as he awaits trial to report to police daily, surrender his passport, not approach any international point of departure, and not go further than 20kms from his Coolum residence except when required to attend court.

Outside the court, Mr Dawson’s lawyer Greg Walsh said his client had been subject to “serious threats in prison” and that he was “naturally” relieved to be released.

“I’m not seeking sympathy for him, but he hadn’t been in custody before. There were threats. There are ongoing threats,” he said.

According to Mr Walsh, the threats are being investigated by police.

Mr Dawson, 70, was extradited from the Gold Coast to Sydney on December 6 over the 1982 disappearance of Lyn Dawson, 33, and charged with murder. He will plead not guilty, according to his legal team.