Husband accused of staging mower death ‘enjoyed being single’ during separation

November 11, 2026 — 12:09pm

A pilot accused of killing his wife and staging her death to look like a mower accident told a woman he was dating that he blamed his wife for not being able to go to church, and he was “enjoying being single” while they were separating, a court has heard.

Former Royal Australian Air Force pilot Robert Crawford has pleaded not guilty to killing his wife Frances at their sprawling property in rural south-east Queensland in July 2024.

His defence team has told the jury Frances’ death was a tragic accident, and Crawford believed she died while moving the mower because the sprinklers were going to come on.

The trial earlier heard Crawford, 49, had a string of affairs dating back more than a decade, including with three RAAF colleagues.

He told one of the colleagues he worried leaving his wife would affect his claim to the family property and his superannuation, the court heard.

In admissions put before the court by the prosecution on Wednesday, further details of Crawford’s relationships were read out.

He also had a relationship with buyer’s agent Rebecca Lawler in the months after his separation from Frances in mid-2023.

The pair met while Crawford was moving to Sherwood, in Brisbane’s south, during the break.

Crawford texted Lawler in October that year, saying: “Thanks for the snacks Bec. You didn’t have to bring those, but thank you all the same. Great to meet you in person too.”

He texted her again: “Hey Bec, hope your auctions went well? I’m enjoying the chocolate. Don’t suppose you need a break this afternoon? Come help me eat it hahaha I’ve got today off.”

The jury heard the pair exchanged 9979 messages and photos between October and November 2023.

In early October, during a dinner at the Sherwood property, he told Lawler he and his wife were exploring divorce.

According to the admissions, Crawford blamed Frances for him not being able to go to his church any more, and he did not know if his marriage was salvageable.

He also said he was enjoying being single.

While together, Crawford and Lawler discussed his Upper Lockyer property, the court heard.

He told Lawler the property was “his home too”, they had built and designed it, and that it meant a lot to him. He also said he was annoyed he had to move out, while Frances got to stay.

On Tuesday, the jury was read Crawford’s police statement, which included details of the couple’s night before he dialled Triple Zero in the early hours of July 30, 2024.

Crawford’s psychologist, Julie Salter, earlier told the court Crawford had told her his wife was “moody” on the night of her death.

Her death came days after the couple’s last session with a psychotherapist, who earlier told the trial Frances had been working on an “exit plan” to leave the marriage.

The trial before Justice Lincoln Crowley continues.

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