Jurors hear wife feared husband in pilot’s murder trial
A Brisbane Supreme Court jury has heard evidence in the murder trial of former RAAF pilot Robert Crawford, who denies killing his wife, Frances. Prosecutors allege he strangled her and staged her death as a ride-on mower accident on their property near Toowoomba in July 2024.
The court heard that the couple had separated after Frances discovered his affair and contracted chlamydia, and that she feared for her safety after he allegedly broke into their home in 2023. Police footage and an 11-minute emergency call recorded her describing his behaviour as abusive; the Crown also alleges he falsified messages to disguise what happened. Her sister told jurors Frances had spoken about the marriage six days before her death.
In short
- Robert Crawford denies murdering his wife.
- Prosecutors say he staged her death as a mower accident.
- Jurors heard earlier reports of abuse and marital strain.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Chilling words wife spoke before RAAF pilot husband allegedly murdered her and her body was found next to a lawnmower near Toowoomba: ‘I wish Rob had a car accident’”.