Major development in alleged mower murder

Prosecutors have revealed a major development in their case against an air force pilot charged with the murder of his wife following a suspected ride-on mower “accident”.

Robert John Crawford has been in custody for the past month since being charged with murdering his wife, Frances Elizabeth Crawford, at their Upper Lockyer property in Queensland in July.

Ms Crawford, 49, was found dead at the foot of a retaining wall at the back of the property, near a ride-on mower.

Police charged Mr Crawford, 46, on October 10 with her murder and misconduct with a corpse – alleging he moved his wife’s body on or about the same date.

During a further mention on Friday, Crown prosecutor Chris Cook said 65 witness statements had been provided to Mr Crawford’s lawyer Andrew McGuinness.

Ipswich Magistrates Court was told further evidence was due to be received in the coming weeks, including a “biomedical engineering expert report”.

A pathology statement was also due in January, Mr Cook said.

Mr Cook said samples had been delivered to Forensic Services Queensland for DNA testing, but he clarified there was no estimated return date due to well-known issues with DNA testing.

“In summary, we expect a complete brief of evidence by February,” he said.

“But we’ll continue to disclose material as we receive it.”

Mr McGuinness told the court the brief was “scant” and “almost without any information” to support the charge of murder.

He said no forensic evidence nor a cause of death had been provided.

Mr McGuinness said there was clearly further information in the possession of the prosecution that needed to be disclosed.

The court was told the brief referred to “evidence of inconsistencies with the defendant’s versions of the scene” and the injuries suffered of the victim.

Mr McGuinness said the brief stated it was supported by forensic evidence and “activity on electronic devices”, which he said had not been disclosed.

The matter was adjourned to November 8 for a further mention.

Mr Crawford has also lodged a bail application in the Supreme Court, which is due to be heard in Brisbane on November 14.

Emergency services found Ms Crawford at the base of her property’s retaining wall about 3.40am on July 30.

Mr Crawford had phoned triple-0 and was initially assisting police with their inquiries.

In a further appeal for information in October, police asked for public assistance regarding the couple’s personal circumstances and marriage, revealing they considered Ms Crawford’s death “suspicious”.