Trial of Robert John Crawford advances with testimony and emergency call evidence
In Brisbane Supreme Court, testimony from the accused's children and a 2023 emergency call were presented as the murder trial of former RAAF pilot Robert John Crawford continued.
The Brisbane Supreme Court heard further evidence on Thursday in the trial of former RAAF pilot Robert John Crawford, who is charged with murdering his wife, Francis Crawford, in 2024. The prosecution presented a 2023 emergency call in which Ms. Crawford reported an alleged break-in attempt by her husband and described her condition before paramedics arrived.
Jessie Crawford, 22, testified that her relationship with her mother improved after the couple separated in July 2023, but became strained when Ms. Crawford attempted reconciliation. She said her mother described herself as “a different person when she was away from him.”
“We didn’t talk as much because she was just that different person again,” Jessie said.
Jessie also noted that her father used the nickname “Franny” with her mother when seeking her favor after the separation.
Jake Crawford, 21, recounted installing security cameras at the family home after his father entered the property without invitation. He said the footage captured his father returning about a week after the incident and taking some belongings. Jake testified that his father had previously entered the home unannounced to help with outdoor chores.
“He would come over and do chores to help out my mum unannounced and he would try to talk to her every time,” Jake said.
Paramedic Scott Gordon, the first responder on the scene at around 4 a.m., reported finding Ms. Crawford without a pulse, breath, or heartbeat and noted rigor mortis and a cold body temperature, indicating she had been deceased for some time. He observed Mr. Crawford attempting CPR repeatedly despite being told the victim was dead.
“I told him she’s gone and to stop CPR,” Gordon said.
The court also heard a defence argument by barrister Saul Holt KC that evidence would show Ms. Crawford was concerned about the lawnmower becoming wet from sprinklers. Body-camera footage of police questioning Mr. Crawford was shown, depicting him sobbing and wrapped in a blanket while describing how he found his wife under the mower.
The trial has featured testimony from several of Mr. Crawford’s former partners, who admitted to extramarital affairs. The next hearing is scheduled for Monday.