Former RAAF pilot Robert Crawford was living 'double life' before murdering his wife to avoid losing assets, court hears
Former RAAF pilot Robert John Crawford is on trial for the alleged murder of his wife, Frances Crawford, in Queensland. Prosecutors claim he staged the death as an accident to avoid a costly divorce settlement and retain his assets.
Why it matters
This case highlights issues surrounding domestic violence and the legal complexities of high-profile criminal trials involving financial motives.
Robert Crawford (centre) arrives at Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday. ( ABC News: Tara Cassidy )
Robert John Crawford is accused of murdering his wife Frances Crawford at their home in 2024 and staging it as an accident.
The Supreme Court in Brisbane heard the former RAAF pilot loved money so much "he killed for it".
Mr Crawford has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence murder.
Link copied Share Share article A former RAAF pilot accused of murdering his wife at their Queensland home embarked on a "campaign to make her death appear like a tragic accident", the Supreme Court in Brisbane has heard.
On the first day of Robert John Crawford's trial for the alleged murder of his wife Frances Crawford, the court heard he was a "master manipulator", "adulterer and philanderer" who loved money so much he "killed for it".
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Former RAAF pilot who allegedly murdered wife was ‘love rat’ and ‘master manipulator’, jury hears
‘Love rat’ ex-RAAF pilot denies killing wife to dodge divorce
‘Love rat’ RAAF pilot loved women, money so much he killed his wife over it, court hears
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