Jury hears details of alleged affair and financial dispute in RAAF pilot murder trial
In the Brisbane Supreme Court, prosecutors presented evidence of Robert John Crawford's long-term infidelities, a $5.4 million marital settlement and a scoresheet tracking the couple's daily interactions as part of the case that accuses the RAAF pilot of killing his wife.
A Brisbane Supreme Court jury heard extensive testimony about the breakdown of the marriage between RAAF pilot Robert John Crawford and his wife, Frances Crawford, who was found dead in a lawn-mower-related incident in 2024. Crawford, who has pleaded not guilty, admitted to emotional and physical affairs spanning more than two decades, with the first affair occurring five years into their 26-year marriage. The trial revealed that the couple separated in 2023 after police were called to their home following an alleged break-in by Crawford, after which Frances changed the locks and asked him to leave.
Their two younger children, Jessie (22) and Jake (21), testified that they opposed a reconciliation after the separation. Jake described installing security cameras after the police visit and recounted that his father occasionally entered the home uninvited to perform chores, while also referring to his mother as a "psychopath" in a phone call.
Prosecutor Chris Cook outlined a series of boundaries the couple had agreed upon for reconciliation, including full access to Crawford's devices, location reporting, purchase approvals over $30 and a requirement for honesty. A "scoresheet" allegedly created by Frances was shown to the jury, rating daily tasks such as prayer, intimacy and gratitude, with the Crown arguing that violations could trigger a costly divorce involving an estimated $5.4 million combined estate.
Two former partners of Crawford testified. Antonia Guterres, a former colleague at the Amberley RAAF base, said Crawford told her in mid-2023 that he was unhappy at home and considered moving to Papua New Guinea, a plan that never materialised. She also referenced his earlier affair with fellow pilot Emily Renshaw, who testified that Crawford described his wife as "emotionally abusive" and expressed feelings of being "trapped" by financial and family pressures.
Crawford's defence barrister, Saul Holt KC, argued that Frances' death was an "obvious accident," citing messages in which she expressed concern about damaging the ride-on mower and suggesting she moved it herself during the night while Crawford slept.