Former RAAF pilot stood to gain more than $5m from wife's death, court hears
The trial of Robert Crawford, who is accused of murdering his wife Frances Crawford, has heard he took steps to acquire her estate weeks after her death.
Robert John Crawford, a former RAAF pilot, is on trial for the alleged murder of his wife, Frances Crawford, in their home in 2024. The Supreme Court in Brisbane heard that Crawford took actions to gain access to his wife's estate and superannuation just four weeks after her death, potentially standing to benefit from over $5 million.
During the trial, the Crown Prosecutor, Chris Cook, alleged that Crawford strangled his 49-year-old wife in a chokehold, intending to end their relationship, pursue other women, and benefit financially. Crawford was found dead beneath their ride-on mower at their Upper Lockyer home on July 30, 2024, by emergency services. The defense claims that Frances Crawford's death was a tragic accident, a rollover lawnmower incident.
The court heard that Crawford had been unfaithful to his wife, leading to their separation and eventual return to the home under strict conditions. The jury was presented with details of Crawford's alleged infidelities with about a dozen women spanning over 20 years. The prosecution also pointed to inconsistencies in Crawford's account of events, including the lack of phone activity from Frances Crawford between 7:44 pm and 11:20 pm, and the timing of a message from their older son, which the Crown suggested was sent as part of a cover up.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
