Next step in wife’s alleged mower murder

Police could face “complications” on the gathering of evidence in the case of a man charged with the murder of his wife, who was found dead near a ride-on mower, a court has been told.

Robert John Crawford, 47, was not brought before Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday when his matter was briefly mentioned.

Mr Crawford is charged with the murder of his wife Frances Elizabeth Crawford in July, after she was found dead at her Upper Lockyer property near a ride-on mower.

His matter remains before Ipswich Magistrates Court, with lawyer Andrew McGuinness asking for a two-week adjournment following the first mention on October 11.

On Friday, lawyer Daniel Boddice appeared on Mr McGuinness’ behalf and asked for a further adjournment until November 1.

The court was told police were seeking a date in February next year for the brief of evidence to be prepared.

“The arresting officer is on leave in December and January,” a police prosecutor told the court.

“I’ve made inquiries as to whether there are other officers who can compile it while the officer is on leave.”

Mr Boddice said there were “concerns” about the delay in the matter which would be further raised by Mr McGuinness at the next appearance.

The court was told this could include whether there were any “complicating” features on the gathering of evidence, which would impact how long the matter would take.

Mr Crawford’s appearance was excused on the next occasion.

He remains in custody on remand.

Emergency services found Ms Crawford at the base of a retaining wall, near a ride-on mower, in the backyard of her property west of Brisbane about 3.40am on July 30.

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

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

Police further alleged Mr Crawford had connected with women all over the world and in every Australian state except South Australia and Tasmania, through dating apps and in his “personal and professional life”.

Overseas, he was alleged to have connected with woman across Italy, the US, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand.

Mr Crawford was arrested on October 10 at the Upper Lockyer property and charged with his wife’s murder and misconduct with a corpse.

Police allege in court documents the misconduct involved Mr Crawford “moving a dead human body … without lawful jurisdiction or excuse.”

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 family said in a statement.

“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.”