Robert Crawford on trial for alleged murder of wife

Former Royal Australian Air Force pilot Robert Crawford is appearing in the Brisbane Supreme Court, facing charges of murdering his wife, Frances Crawford. The prosecution alleges that Crawford staged the scene to resemble a tragic accident involving a ride-on lawnmower at their Upper Lockyer Valley property in July 2024.

Prosecutors claim the motive was financial, alleging Crawford killed his wife to avoid losing approximately $5.4 million in divorce settlements and life insurance payouts. The prosecution also described Crawford as having lived a double life involving numerous extramarital affairs.

During the trial, a 22-minute emergency call was played to the jury, in which Crawford could be heard performing chest compressions and telling operators he thought his wife was watching Netflix before finding her. Crawford has pleaded not guilty, with his defense team maintaining that Frances Crawford died in a tragic accident while attempting to move the mower due to active sprinklers.