RAAF pilot's emergency call reveals claim he thought wife was watching Netflix

A former Royal Australian Air Force pilot, Robert Crawford, who faces murder charges for the death of his wife Frances in July 2024, told emergency operators he had "no idea" how long she had been unconscious and believed she was "watching Netflix". The 22-minute Triple Zero call was played to the jury at the Supreme Court trial in Queensland, showing Crawford giving chest compressions while the operator counted and urging him to slow down.

Prosecutors allege Crawford staged the incident to appear as a ride-on mower rollover on their 40-hectare Upper Lockyer property, aiming to avoid a costly divorce settlement. The defence maintains the death was an accident after Frances moved the mower due to sprinkler concerns.

Paramedic Scott Gordon testified that Crawford continued CPR despite instructions to stop, and that the compressions did not appear vigorous enough. Gordon also noted the mower engine was cool when he inspected it.

Family testimony highlighted marital problems, including Crawford's extramarital affairs with three RAAF colleagues. Their daughter Jessie described a prior incident where Crawford entered the home after Frances changed the locks, and recounted her mother's decision to separate in July 2023 because of infidelity. Their younger son Jake expressed distress over his father's presence in the house before the fatal incident.

The trial, overseen by Justice Lincoln Crowley, continues with further evidence to be presented.