Pilot Robert Crawford on trial for wife Frances Crawford's death
The first week of Robert Crawford's murder trial revealed extensive evidence of his extramarital affairs and a scoresheet kept by his wife, Frances, before her death.
Robert Crawford, a Royal Australian Air Force pilot, appeared in court this week as the trial for the death of his wife, Frances Crawford, entered its first week. The prosecution presented video footage from the night of the fatal incident and a scoresheet Frances had kept, in which she recorded daily activities such as intimacy, prayer and emotional sharing.
Testimony from family members described concerns for Frances’s safety, with her youngest son, Jake, stating he was "distressed for her, scared for her safety." The court also heard that the couple had recently traveled to Kingscliff, where Frances rated their relationship on a scale of one to ten.
Messages displayed to the jury showed Crawford communicating with several women, including RAAF colleague Sarah Woodsell and another colleague, Antonia Guterres. Woodsell testified that Crawford discussed his marriage and hinted at potential contact with Frances, while Guterres described an emotional relationship with Crawford that involved discussions about future plans and personal struggles.
Former partner Emily Renshaw testified that Crawford feared divorce would affect his retirement and church involvement. Two days before her death, Frances reportedly confronted Crawford about his affairs.
Paramedics who responded to the scene recounted Crawford speaking to his unresponsive wife and checking a mower for warmth. Frances Crawford was pronounced dead at 4:05 a.m.
The trial, presided over by Justice Lincoln Crowley, will continue with medical expert testimony expected next week.