Former pilot accused of framing wife's death as lawnmower accident

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 01:01 · Archive

Robert Crawford, a former RAAF pilot, is accused of murdering his wife Frances and staging it as a lawnmower accident.

Robert Crawford, a former RAAF pilot, faces trial in Brisbane Supreme Court accused of murdering his wife Frances, a 49-year-old psychologist and mother of three, and staging her death as a lawnmower accident. He has pleaded not guilty.

Frances Crawford was found dead on 30 July 2024 at the couple's home in Upper Lockyer, lying next to a flipped ride-on mower at the bottom of a retaining wall. According to Crawford's account to police and first responders, his wife was concerned the mower would be damaged by sprinklers and moved it during the night.

In court on Monday, Senior Sergeant Stephen Coote gave evidence that the mower's steering wheel was locked all the way to the right, in reverse, with the throttle set three bars from the top. Markings on the mower and wall suggested it went over backwards before tipping left. Coote said the mower would be 'difficult' to push. The Crown alleges Crawford murdered his wife over fears of losing the family home following a looming divorce, and that Crawford had admitted to a 20-year infidelity streak.

How it is being reported

• Robert Crawford trial told lawnmower locked in reverse after wife’s alleged murderCrime scene details surrounding the lawnmower story allegedly constructed by a murder-accused pilot have been revealed in court.The West Australian · 10 Nov, 00:44
• Robert Crawford trial told lawnmower locked in reverse after wife’s alleged murderCrime scene details surrounding the lawnmower story allegedly constructed by a murder-accused pilot have been revealed in court.Perth Now · 10 Nov, 00:44

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

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log