Robert Crawford on trial for alleged murder of wife Frances Crawford

Robert Crawford, a former Royal Australian Air Force pilot, is appearing before the Brisbane Supreme Court accused of murdering his wife, Frances Crawford, in July 2024. Crawford has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Prosecutors allege that Crawford strangled his wife at their Upper Lockyer property and staged the scene to make her death appear to be an accident involving a ride-on lawnmower. The prosecution suggests the motive may have been Crawford's desire to avoid losing the couple's $2 million home during a potential divorce.

The trial has revealed significant marital instability caused by Crawford's long-term infidelity. Evidence presented to the jury includes testimony from a psychologist, who stated that Frances Crawford was seeking therapeutic disclosure and had insisted on polygraph testing to verify her husband's claims of faithfulness.

Additionally, a third woman testified that she was one of Crawford's affair partners, noting that he had discussed his marriage struggles with her. Court proceedings also detailed notes written by Frances Crawford, which weighed the pros and cons of remaining in the marriage despite his repeated infidelities.