Ex‑RAAF pilot on trial for wife's death testifies to long‑term infidelity

Robert John Crawford, a former Royal Australian Air Force pilot, is on trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court for the alleged murder of his wife, Frances Crawford, a mother of three. The prosecution alleges that Crawford staged the scene of his wife's death to resemble a lawn‑mower accident, while he has entered a not‑guilty plea.

Court testimony revealed that Crawford maintained an extramarital relationship spanning roughly two decades, involving both emotional and sexual affairs across multiple locations. The admission was confirmed by Crawford himself during the early days of the trial.

Antonia Guterres, a former colleague who worked with Crawford at the RAAF base in Amberley, testified via video link. She said Crawford told her in mid‑2023 that he planned to move to Papua New Guinea in 2024 and invited her to accompany him. Although the relocation did not occur, Guterres said Crawford helped her secure a promotion and a commendation at work, and later discussed personal difficulties at home, describing his marriage as unhappy and his children as distant.

The court also heard that Crawford contracted a sexually transmitted infection during his affairs and allegedly transmitted it to his wife, initially claiming the source was a toilet. These details were presented as part of the broader evidence concerning his conduct and relationship with his spouse.

The trial continues with further evidence to be examined, and Crawford maintains his not‑guilty plea while the court assesses the credibility of the testimonies and forensic findings.