Robert Crawford: Man charged with murder of wife in apparent ride-on mower death fronts court for first time

A man charged with the murder of his wife – who was found dead in an apparent ride-on mower incident – moved his wife’s body after she was killed, police have alleged in court documents.

Royal Australian Air Force pilot Robert Crawford, 46, was not brought before Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday after police charged him with the murder of his wife, Frances Elizabeth Crawford, on Thursday.

Ms Crawford, 49, was found dead at her Upper Lockyer property, west of Brisbane, about 3.40am on July 30.

Her body was found at the foot of a retaining wall in the backyard of the property, near a ride-on mower.

Mr Crawford is facing charges of murder and misconduct with a corpse by interfering.

Police allege in court documents Mr Crawford interfered with his wife’s corpse by “moving a dead human body … without lawful jurisdiction or excuse.”

During the brief first mention on Friday, solicitor Andrew McGinness requested the matter be adjourned to October 25 for a further mention.

He requested his client’s appearance be excused.

Mr Crawford will remain in custody until his next appearance, as he is unable to apply for bail on murder charges in the Magistrates Court.

Mr McGinness did not answer questions when he left court or say if his client would contest the charges.

Mr Crawford’s arrest follows a sudden turn in the police investigation, with detectives launching an appeal for information about the couple’s “personal circumstances” and “marriage”.

Police allege Mr Crawford had connected with women in Italy, the US, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and every state in Australia except South Australia and Tasmania through dating apps and in his personal and professional life.

“We believe there were women who were involved in relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information about Mrs Crawford that will assist with this investigation,” Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said last week.

Mr Crawford is alleged to have made the triple-0 call and was initially not considered a suspect.

But police arrested him at the Upper Lockyer property on Thursday, with bodycam footage capturing him sitting on a couch as police read him his rights.

“You are under arrest in relation to the murder … so if I can get you to stand up please,” an officer can be heard saying in video footage released by Queensland Police.

Mr Crawford then stood up before being handcuffed and walked out of the property barefoot.

In a statement, Ms Crawford’s family said her death had been “devastating to us all, even more so given the circumstances”.

“Frances Crawford will be remembered as a loving mother, beloved daughter, sister and friend and dedicated health professional and valued member of her church and community,” the statement read.

“Frances’ passing will profoundly affect each of us for the rest of our lives but none more so than her three beautiful children.

“They are wonderful young adults who will continue Frances’ legacy.

“They have been dealt a very difficult blow indeed as they each embark on their own journeys; however, with the support of family and good people around them, they will not be defined by this or what has gone before.”