Robert Crawford trial: Pilot accused of murdering wife

The murder trial of former Royal Australian Air Force pilot Robert Crawford has proceeded in the Brisbane Supreme Court, with prosecutors alleging he killed his wife, psychologist Frances Crawford, to avoid a costly divorce.

During the trial, the jury was shown police body camera footage from the morning of July 30, 2024, when Ms. Crawford’s body was discovered at their remote Upper Lockyer property. In the footage, Mr. Crawford is seen crying and asking where his wife’s body would be taken, while also stating she would not want an autopsy.

The prosecution has characterized Mr. Crawford as having a long history of extramarital affairs with at least 10 women, including RAAF colleagues. They allege the death was staged to look like a tragic lawnmower accident.

Mr. Crawford has pleaded not guilty to the charge. His defense team maintains that the death was a genuine accident, noting that lawnmower rollovers are not uncommon and that his client believed his wife was moving the equipment to avoid sprinklers.