Australia - Frances Crawford 49, found dead after suspicious lawn mower accident in Queensland.

[Marg944]

I am still in absolute awe that the alleged murderer was granted bail!!!!

 

[Marg944]

New move in Robert John Crawford’s mower murder case​

“A new move in the case against an air force pilot charged with his wife’s murder – before allegedly making it look like a ride-on mower “accident” – has emerged.

Under his strict bail conditions, Mr Crawford has been reporting to police daily and has not been able to go within 500m of international airport terminals or enter any airfield due to his status as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot.

An additional requirement is not to contact certain people named in a specific non-contact order; however, this was altered on Thursday with consent by the Crown and his legal team.

The court was told a variation would be made to “tidy up” a non-contact condition imposed as part of Mr Crawford’s bail undertaking.

Three relatives of the RAAF pilot no longer wished to be included in the “carve-out” – or exception – of the non-contact order.

Two other people identified as Crown witnesses indicated they were happy with the exceptions to the order.

A committal hearing, which will determine if the Crown case is strong enough for Mr Crawford to be committed to stand trial in a higher court, is set to go ahead in October.“

https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/courts-law/new-move-in-robert-john-craws-mower-murder-case/news-story/136c80045356591334c629a01e312a20

 

[Marg944]

Prosecutors make new application in case of RAAF pilot accused of killing wife​

“Two new witnesses have been added to the prosecution’s case against a Royal Australian Air Force pilot accused of killing his wife and staging it to look like a late night lawn mower accident.

In a hearing on Thursday, Crown Prosecutor Chris Cook put forward an application to vary Crawford’s bail, amending it to include an additional two witnesses.
Cook also applied for three original witnesses, who were relatives, to now fall under Crawford’s no contact conditions.

Crawford’s legal team were in agreement with the order, and Justice Sean Cooper granted the changed conditions.
Crawford, who was not present for the hearing, was ordered to sign a new bail undertaking by Friday afternoon.”

Prosecutors make new application in case of RAAF pilot accused of killing wife

Robert Crawford is accused of killing his wife Frances Elizabeth Crawford and staging it to look like a late-night lawn mower accident.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

 

[Marg944]

 

[Marg944]

https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/__external/CourtsLawList/Brisbane.htm

 

[Detechtive]

I am still in absolute awe that the alleged murderer was granted bail!!!!

Me too, and I’m really shocked at the lack of media coverage about this matter. It’s very odd. Imo

 

[TootsieFootsie]

It sounds like three of his relatives no longer want to be in contact with him.
Have I got that right ?

On reading it again does it mean they do want contact with him.

I'm confused.

 

[SouthAussie]

It sounds like three of his relatives no longer want to be in contact with him.
Have I got that right ?

On reading it again does it mean they do want contact with him.

I'm confused.

He is not to contact the three relatives. And two more witnesses have been newly added to that, so there are at least 5 people that he is not allowed to contact.

His defence team agreed to the conditions and Crawford will sign the revised bail order by Friday afternoon. Crawford wasn't present at this hearing.

Prosecutors make new application in case of RAAF pilot accused of killing wife

Robert Crawford is accused of killing his wife Frances Elizabeth Crawford and staging it to look like a late-night lawn mower accident.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

 

[SouthAussie]

Me too, and I’m really shocked at the lack of media coverage about this matter. It’s very odd. Imo

I think it is because he is in the RAAF. Or because of the position he held in the RAAF.
And he is seeking a RAAF administrative position while on bail - I haven't seen anywhere if he has been given that admin position or not. He wasn't at court for the bail variance. I guess maybe he could be working.

We looked up Dept of Defence privacy stuff (further back) when the DoD pulled Crawford's photos down from their sites.

imo

 

[TootsieFootsie]

To me it sounds llike they were on the "exception" of the non contact list.
So that meant that he was allowed to contact them. And they no longer want that,

Three relatives of the RAAF pilot no longer wished to be included in the “carve-out” – or exception – of the non-contact order.

 

[Warshawski]

Trying to find something not behind a paywall.

I think this one is behind a paywall.

https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/pilot-charged-with-murdering-wife-told-triple0-operator-he-thought-she-was-okay/news-story/1cc99169dfa1d0ec2cf09f8d9d725f17?amp

Family and friends say he couldn't have done what he's accused of because of his Christian principles

(outline paraphrased)

Crawford got home from work, Frances was making chicken curry for dinner
He gave her a hug, and asked about her medical appointment
They ate, then read the bible, prayed together, and played some games
He received work related calls
Went and sat with Frances, watching something on TV, snuggling together with a heated blanket
Crawford went to bed at 9:45pm (thought he sent Frances a signal message saying he was going to bed, really tired)
Frances was a night owl

No signal messages between them from 5.20pm to 11.20pm
Frances called her son for 43 mins at 7:13pm
11:21pm Frances messages Crawford - are you going to put the mower away soon
11:24pm Replies - just doing SDO stuff
11:25pm Replies again - give me a sec
11:26pm Replies again - you can just turn off sprinklers if it is easier
12:28am Replies again - finished my stuff, brushing my teeth, are you coming to bed soon?
12:30am Replies again - come to bed
12:35am Replies again - getting sleepy
3:30am Crawford's Garmin records 974 steps
3:37am Crawford dials triple zero

Somewhere in there, while in bed he reached for Frances, she wasn't there, he went looking for her, couldn't find her, went outside and found the mower and her

Frances suffered multiple injuries ... including a 16-centimetre scalp laceration, large scalp bruises, facial bruises, abrasions on the neck and under the chin and rib fractures. Ambulance found her cold and stiff.

Possible causes of death - hypovolaemic shock due to haemorrhage from scalp laceration, neck compression, traumatic asphyxia, positional asphyxia.

Found one that’s not paywalled:

'Prayed and snuggled': Court documents reveal timeline before pilot allegedly murdered wife

For the first time since RAAF pilot Robert Crawford's arrest in October last year, it can be revealed exactly what he says happened the night his wife died.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Warshawski]

Family and friends say he couldn't have done what he's accused of because of his Christian principles

He may have said he was a Christian, he may have played at being a Christian - but where is the Proof that he is a Christian & that he embodies Christian principles ?

Immediately I heard those comments my mind went to the horrendous behaviour that ‘so-called’ religious practitioners have imbibed in, while using their devilish subterfuges to inflict their abhorrent will on the vulnerable.

Having said that, I understand how difficult it must be for family & friends to accept that a person they love can be responsible for such heinous behaviour. .. .and I feel for them in this terrible time.

Unfortunately People often present differently depending on their ‘audience’ or the situation.

Just my opinion, but I think that Mr Crawford would be well versed in ‘how to present’ to suit the situation.

His high profile position in the ADF / RAAF is on public record.
He’s also been front & centre in various international ‘partnership engagements’.

https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2021-08-02/squadrons-family-expanded

IMO, the training that he will have been subjected to (and must have succeeded at to attain these levels) cannot be dismissed.

As a side note, I find it a concerning 2-edged sword that, depending on their ‘division / unit’ responsibilities, so many of our defence personnel become ‘trained killers’ - but then post-active deployments are expected to suddenly ‘forget’, to rationalise & curtail the mental damage inflicted upon them, and to behave as responsible, acceptable & healthy. The health degradation, family destruction & suicides in our veterans is something that must be addressed imo.

Having said that, I’m not defending Crawford’s alleged murderous actions, nor am I attempting to suggest a defence ! I’ve no idea if he was ever engaged in active duty.

My sympathies go out to Francis’s parents & children. . and I pray that they have found solace in their love, memories and in her enduring peace.


All just my own personal thoughts & opinions.

 

[Warshawski]

It's not the devices, it's the network. I'm guessing he's not got the coverage on his property for the ankle monitor.

I lived rural in NSW, and there was no phone signal ten minutes outside from the largest town in the area - which was an hour from where I actually lived. The only internet was satellite broadband, and if I told you what I paid for the privilege of 12GB a month, slower than dial up, you'd pass out.

Likely the monitor uses the same towers as mobile phones, in which case, he'd need to be in town.

MOO

I’d hazard a guess that there are ways that a monitoring device would still be useful - if only for the reminder to him & any other women he may encounter.

The network coverage on his / their home place may be lacking, however I’d suggest that any Ping once he comes into coverage would register and question his whereabouts .

IMO, there are solutions to most things, but they often hinge on there being someone who ‘gives a damn’.

 

[Marg944]

I’d hazard a guess that there are ways that a monitoring device would still be useful - if only for the reminder to him & any other women he may encounter.

The network coverage on his / their home place may be lacking, however I’d suggest that any Ping once he comes into coverage would register and question his whereabouts .

IMO, there are solutions to most things, but they often hinge on there being someone who ‘gives a damn’.

His bail is up for review on 14th August - thanks to him breaching his conditions some weeks ago. Will be interesting what conditions will be changed or what will be added.

 

[Bear13]

I think it is because he is in the RAAF. Or because of the position he held in the RAAF.
And he is seeking a RAAF administrative position while on bail - I haven't seen anywhere if he has been given that admin position or not. He wasn't at court for the bail variance. I guess maybe he could be working.

We looked up Dept of Defence privacy stuff (further back) when the DoD pulled Crawford's photos down from their sites.

imo

Tonight on Channel 9 News it was reported that the ADF have commented and confirmed that RC is no longer employed with the ADF

I would have hoped that would be the case

IMO

 

[Trooper]

MSN

'''Two new witnesses have been added to the prosecution’s case against a former Royal Australian Air Force pilot accused of killing his wife and staging it to look like a late night lawn mower accident.'''

''The prosecution’s case is that Crawford could be seen as a master manipulator, and submitted he would go to “great means to attempt to conceal his crime to escape punishment”. A court earlier heard there was blood found from both Crawfords in the en suite of the home.''''

The prosecution referenced messages on Mrs Crawford’s phone, saying a reasonably instructed jury could accept the accused had already strangled his wife by that stage, and he was manipulating the scene by sending messages from her phone to himself.

Crawford’s barrister, Saul Holt, previously told the court in applying for his release that his client was an excellent candidate for bail, and he was “highly motivated” to fight the charge. Crawford’s father had proposed a $250,000 surety for his son.


( Two new witnesses for the prosecution..... rivetting stuff....!! it is not often that one, but two new witnesses for the prosecution turn up this late in the proceedings.... perhaps they had to be tracked down from far away! )) .....

 

[Trooper]

MSN

''The court previously heard Crawford was suspended from the RAAF, but intended to have that lifted to return in an administrative capacity. It is understood Crawford has now left the RAAF.

In a hearing on Thursday, Crown Prosecutor Chris Cook put forward an application to vary Crawford’s bail, amending it to include an additional two witnesses.

Cook also applied for three original witnesses, who were relatives, to now fall under Crawford’s no contact conditions.''''''

 

[Trooper]

Looks like more folks are opting for no speakies , with the added grunt of force of law , with Crawford........ onbviously , simply requesting it didn't seem to work.....

 

[BreakingNews]

Tonight on Channel 9 News it was reported that the ADF have commented and confirmed that RC is no longer employed with the ADF

I would have hoped that would be the case

IMO

I heard this also on Channel 9 news last night. However when I looked for a link, I could not find one.

 

[Warshawski]

His bail is up for review on 14th August - thanks to him breaching his conditions some weeks ago. Will be interesting what conditions will be changed or what will be added.

IMO, upon that breach he should have immediately been locked up .

Here he is waltzing around the community & acting as if he a wholesome citizen, as opposed to someone who is alleged to use ‘murder’ as his modus operandi.

Personally, I don’t want to find myself accidentally face to face with him !