EXCLUSIVEHow an incident one year before RAAF pilot allegedly staged his wife Frances Crawfords murder to look like a lawn-mower accident could be key to the prosecutions case
EXCLUSIVE A RAAF pilot accused of murdering his wife had previously undergone marriage counselling after she became aware of his infidelity, police will allege.
EXCLUSIVE
A RAAF pilot accused of murdering his wife had previously undergone marriage counselling after she became aware of his infidelity, police will allege.
Robert Crawford, 47, allegedly killed his wife Frances, 49, and moved her body to make her death appear to be a ride-on lawnmower accident at their rural property in Upper Lockyer, south-east Queensland, at 3.40am on July 30.
Investigators shortly after her death revealed they will allege officers had attended an incident at the property in July last year.
Police will allege the incident prompted Ms Crawford to apply for an interim protection order while she sought an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).
However, the AVO was denied in court and the interim order overturned, police will allege.
Police will also allege that following that incident the couple had engaged the services of a marriage counsellor.
Crawford was arrested on Thursday after police last week made a public appeal for people to come forward as they revealed he had allegedly been messaging women on dating apps around the world and in Australia.
Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead on her Upper Lockyer property during the early hours of July 30
Rob Crawford, 47, allegedly murdered his wife and staged it to appear like a lawn mower accident
Police will allege he connected with women in countries such as the US, Italy, Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan, Guam, Japan, New Zealand and every state and territory in Australia except for South Australia and Tasmania.
He has been charged with one count of murder (domestic violence offence) and misconduct with a corpse by interfering.
Crawford was a RAAF Squadron Leader, who operated out of the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley, about 8km southwest of Ipswich.
Over the past two decades, the family moved to various cities around the country - including Sydney and Adelaide - as he pursued his career in the military.
Around 2015, the family returned to the Toowoomba region, where Ms Crawford grew up, as her husband was restationed at the Amberley base.
Crawford featured prominently in RAAF media articles and magazines, showing him travelling around the world in the line of service.
Police will allege they were called to the couples Upper Lockyer home (pictured) in July 2023
Crawford is pictured presenting an award at an ADF event
In 2014, he was pictured shaking hands with a United States Air Force lieutenant general at a training event in Missouri.
According to the article, Crawford chaired a part of the event and spoke with US counterparts on breaking down the barriers and the importance of greater collaboration between allies during technical system acquisition and test programs.
The annual AATTC symposium is an excellent forum to network with our international partners in tactical airlift and learn from each another, Crawford said.
Another article from May last year shows Crawford posing alongside junior pilots as he supervised a training exercise in North Queensland.
Through the exercises we want to ramp up the scenario and make them harder and harder. Theyve been doing really well, Crawford told the Townsville Bulletin at the time.
Meanwhile, as Crawford climbed the Defence Force ranks, Ms Crawford served community as a psychologist, providing therapy for adults, adolescents and children.
According to her bio on Toowoombas Quality Life Psychology Services website, she had extensive experience working with a variety of mental health issues.
Her special interests included anxiety, depression, stress, panic, anger, bereavement, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain, parenting, protective behaviour, and assertiveness.
A profile of Ms Crawford in a year book during her younger years has been shared online as tributes flow for the beloved mother of three
Crawford is pictured being arrested by detectives on Thursday
Her death has left her loved ones and the Toowoomba region reeling, where she has been remembered as a loving mother, beloved daughter, sister and friend and dedicated health professional and valued member of her church and community.
One woman described her as a bright light and one of the most caring woman I have ever known, while another tribute said she was a beautiful, kind, caring soul.
A former schoolmate shared a touching blurb about Ms Crawford, then Frances Pilon, that had been penned in a high school year book.
In the write up, she was described as quiet and admired among her peers for her poise.
Franny can generally be found at lunch, with her head in a science book, contemplating the next exam or in the Home Economics room, the blurb reads.
Crawford has been remanded in custody. His matter is next due before Ipswich Magistrates Court on October 25.
A GoFundMe has been launched to assist her three adult children. To donate, click here.
