Former RAAF pilot who allegedly murdered wife was ‘love rat’ and ‘master manipulator’, jury hears
A former RAAF pilot, Robert John Crawford, is on trial for the murder of his wife, Frances Elizabeth Crawford. Prosecutors allege he staged her death as an accident to avoid financial losses from a pending divorce.
Why it matters
The case highlights issues of domestic violence and the legal complexities surrounding spousal murder trials involving high-profile figures.
Robert John Crawford, centre, is seen at the Brisbane supreme court on Monday. Photograph: Russell Freeman/AAP Robert John Crawford, centre, is seen at the Brisbane supreme court on Monday. Photograph: Russell Freeman/AAP Queensland Former RAAF pilot who allegedly murdered wife was ‘love rat’ and ‘master manipulator’, jury hears Robert John Crawford on trial after wife found near ride-on lawnmower on their Toowoomba property
Prefer the Guardian on Google A former RAAF pilot was a “love rat” and “master manipulator” who staged his wife’s death to make it appear a tragic accident, a jury has heard.
Robert John Crawford, 49, pleaded not guilty on Monday to murdering his wife Frances Elizabeth Crawford at Upper Lockyer on 29 July, 2024.
Her body was found near a ride-on lawnmower at the bottom of a retaining wall on their sprawling rural property west of Toowoomba.
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