Ex-RAAF pilot on trial for wife's murder denies guilt

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 3 Nov, 01:38 · Archive

Former RAAF pilot Robert Crawford has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife, psychologist Frances Crawford, who was found dead at their home in July 2024.

Robert Crawford, a former RAAF pilot, stands trial in Brisbane Supreme Court accused of murdering his wife, psychologist Frances Crawford, aged 49 and a mother of three. She was found dead at their Upper Lockyer home on 30 July 2024. Crawford has pleaded not guilty.

Crawford initially told police his wife died in a lawnmower accident during the night. He has made court admissions to sexual and emotional infidelity over 20 years, including with RAAF colleagues. The couple had argued during a holiday in Kingscliff the weekend before her death, with the dispute centring on his affairs.

In the trial's second week, jurors watched police bodycam footage of Crawford being questioned after the body was discovered. He told officers his wife had been 'just here' moments before, and described their recent time together as 'really special'. Queensland Police Sergeant Glen Thomas located Crawford's wife's wedding rings on the kitchen counter during the search.

Forensic evidence presented to the court revealed a 'piece of grass' was found between the dead woman's big toe and second toe, on the foot that was without an Ugg boot. The body was found clothed in socks, pyjamas and one Ugg boot, with the second boot found displaced nearby. The crown prosecutor alleges Crawford staged the scene to resemble an accidental death.

How it is being reported

• Robert Crawford murder trial: Jury hears new forensic details about the bodyNew forensic details have been revealed in the trial of the former RAAF pilot accused of murdering his wife.The West Australian · 3 Nov, 01:27
• Robert Crawford murder trial: Jury hears new forensic details about the bodyNew forensic details have been revealed in the trial of the former RAAF pilot accused of murdering his wife.Perth Now · 3 Nov, 01:26
• Robert Crawford murder trial: Jury shown police bodycam visionA jury has been shown bodycam footage of an ex-RAAF pilot being grilled by police after the discovery of his wife’s body.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 01:38
• Robert Crawford murder trial: Jury shown police bodycam visionA jury has been shown bodycam footage of an ex-RAAF pilot being grilled by police after the discovery of his wife’s body.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 01:38

In this story: Robert Crawford · Frances Crawford · Upper Lockyer · Brisbane Supreme Court · Royal Australian Air Force · Queensland Police

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