Robert Crawford pleads not guilty in Brisbane wife murder trial
Prosecutors say the former RAAF pilot staged his wife's death as an accident to avoid a divorce settlement.
By Derek Collins ·
Forty-seven witnesses are expected to testify in a Brisbane murder trial that will last three weeks. The case centers on the death of Frances Elizabeth Crawford, who was found dead beside a ride-on lawnmower on July 29, 2024.
Robert John Crawford, 49, pleaded not guilty on Monday, October 26, before a jury in the Brisbane Supreme Court. He formerly served as a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force. The body was discovered at the foot of a retaining wall on the couple's rural property in Upper Lockyer, west of Toowoomba.
Prosecutor Chris Cook argued that Crawford killed his wife against the backdrop of a failing marriage. He alleged that Crawford then worked to make the death appear accidental. Justice Lincoln Crowley told the jury that the prosecution will argue Frances Crawford died from either strangulation or blunt-force trauma.
Financial motives form a core part of the case. The prosecution contends that the marriage was nearing its end and that Crawford faced substantial losses in a divorce settlement. Cook stated that Crawford wanted to keep the family home and avoid splitting his superannuation. The court heard that Crawford maintained a double life, presenting himself as a man of strong Christian values while behaving differently in private. Cook described the accused as a "love rat" and alleged he was not committed to the marriage. Four women with whom Crawford allegedly had affairs are expected to take the stand.
The jury learned that Frances Crawford had been considering ending the marriage. She had drawn up specific boundaries for her husband, including rules regarding sexual and emotional infidelity, pornography, and masturbation. These conditions were presented as grounds for divorce if violated.
The jury is scheduled to visit the property on Wednesday to view the location of the alleged killing. Justice Crowley explained that the site visit would help them understand the evidence. Crawford's defense barrister had not yet delivered an opening statement as of Monday.
Source: The Guardian
