Biomechanics expert challenges mower accident theory in Crawford murder trial
Biomechanics professor David Ackland testified in the Queensland Supreme Court that it was very unlikely a ride-on mower could have been on Frances Crawford’s body at the base of a retaining wall, challenging the prosecution’s accident theory. Earlier in the trial, former RAAF pilot Robert Crawford told his wing commander about marital problems, and prosecutors alleged he killed his wife to avoid divorce costs.
A forensic pathologist said Crawford’s injuries were consistent with strangulation, while the defence maintained the death was an accident involving a lawn mower. Court evidence also revealed Crawford exchanged nearly 10,000 messages with a real-estate agent during the breakdown of his marriage.