Former RAAF pilot denies murdering wife in staged accident

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 04:57 · Archive

Robert John Crawford, 49, pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife Frances Elizabeth Crawford, whose body was found near a ride-on lawnmower at their Queensland property.

Robert John Crawford, 49, a former RAAF pilot, has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife Frances Elizabeth Crawford at their Upper Lockyer property near Toowoomba on 29 July 2024. Her body was found near a ride-on lawnmower at the bottom of a retaining wall on their sprawling rural property.

Prosecutor Chris Cook told the Brisbane Supreme Court jury that Crawford staged his wife's death to make it appear accidental. Cook described Crawford as 'a cheater, adulterer, love rat, philanderer and womaniser' who lived a double life for a long time. The jury was told four women with whom Crawford allegedly had affairs are due to be called as witnesses.

The court heard the couple had separated a year earlier in 2023 over Crawford's alleged infidelity before reconciling and undergoing marriage counselling. Frances Elizabeth Crawford, who was 49 and a psychologist, had set her husband strict conditions including 'deal breakers' for divorce. According to the Daily Mail, the couple returned from a weekend getaway to Kingscliff on 28 July, the day before her death. Crawford allegedly messaged his wife hours before her death to say he missed her.

Cook alleged Crawford was motivated to kill his wife because he stood to lose financially in a divorce settlement, as he wanted to retain possession of the couple's house and did not want to split his superannuation. The trial is ongoing in Brisbane Supreme Court.

How it is being reported

• Polygraphs, receipts and no female 'chitchat': The 15 marriage rules for ex-RAAF pilot accused of murdering his wifeRobert John Crawford, 49, pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife Frances Elizabeth Crawford, as details of their 'toxic' marriage were laid bare on the opening day of a Supreme Court trial.Daily Mail · 27 Oct, 04:44
• Former RAAF pilot who allegedly murdered wife was ‘love rat’ and ‘master manipulator’, jury hearsRobert John Crawford on trial after wife found near ride-on lawnmower on their Toowoomba property A former RAAF pilot was a “love rat” and “master manipulator” who staged his wife’s death to make it appear a tragic accident, a jury has heard. Robert John Crawford, 49, pleaded not guilty on Monday to murdering his wife Frances Elizabeth Crawford at Upper Lockyer on 29 July, 2024. Continue reading...Guardian World · 26 Oct, 05:28

In this story: Robert John Crawford · Frances Elizabeth Crawford · Upper Lockyer · Toowoomba · Brisbane Supreme Court · RAAF

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