47 witnesses set to testify in pilot's wife murder trial

Robert Crawford pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, Frances Elizabeth Crawford, in a Brisbane Supreme Court courtroom on Monday, October 26.

The 49-year-old former Royal Australian Air Force pilot now faces a jury that will hear evidence over the next three weeks. Prosecutors claim he staged her death to look like an accident.

Frances Crawford died at the couple's rural property in Upper Lockyer on July 29, 2024. Her body was found near a ride-on lawnmower at the base of a retaining wall on the land west of Toowoomba.

Prosecutor Chris Cook told the jury that Crawford killed his wife against the backdrop of a failing marriage. Justice Lincoln Crowley explained that the state will argue she died from either strangulation or blunt-force trauma.

Cook alleged that financial losses drove the killing. The prosecution says Crawford wanted to keep the home and avoid splitting his superannuation during a divorce. They also claimed he maintained a double life, presenting strong Christian values while keeping other relationships secret.

Four women with whom Crawford allegedly had affairs are expected to testify. Cook described the accused as a love rat who was not committed to the marriage.

The court heard that Frances Crawford had set strict boundaries for her husband before her death. These conditions included rules against sexual or emotional infidelity, pornography, and masturbation. She had been weighing whether to end the marriage or give him a final chance to demonstrate commitment.

The jury is scheduled to visit the Upper Lockyer property on Wednesday. Justice Lincoln Crowley said seeing the site would help them understand the evidence presented in court.

As many as 47 witnesses are expected to give evidence during the trial. Crawford’s defense barrister had not yet delivered an opening statement as of Monday.