Trial of Robert Crawford for Wife's Murder Continues with Bodycam Footage
The trial of Robert Crawford, accused of murdering his wife Frances, is underway in Brisbane, with jurors viewing police bodycam footage from the night of her death.
During the ongoing trial of Robert Crawford, a former RAAF pilot charged with the murder of his wife Frances, jurors were shown police bodycam footage from the night she was found dead. Mr. Crawford, who has pleaded not guilty, initially claimed that his wife died in a tragic lawnmower accident at their Upper Lockyer property on July 30, 2024.
In the footage, Mr. Crawford is seen emotionally recounting the events to police, stating, "She was just here, she was literally just here," as he described finding his wife at the bottom of a retaining wall. The jury observed his emotional state as he reflected on a recent holiday with Frances, calling it "really special."
Evidence presented earlier in the trial indicated that the couple had experienced significant marital strife, with Mr. Crawford admitting to multiple affairs over the past 20 years. He described their relationship as having moments of progress, stating, "It’s kind of two steps forward, one step back."
The bodycam footage also captured Mr. Crawford's distress as he pondered how to inform their children about their mother's death. He expressed concern about Frances's desire for no autopsy, while police noted inconsistencies in his account regarding the circumstances of her death. Sergeant Glen Thomas, who was present at the scene, testified about the condition of the yard and the absence of any signs that the lawnmower had been recently used. The trial continues as the jury examines the evidence and testimonies presented.