Robert Crawford trial: Frances offered husband super payout before alleged murder, court told
Infidelity, STDs and superannuation payouts littered conversations between a pilot and his alleged murder victim as their texts are uncovered in court.
Text messages revealing a marriage shattered by infidelity, STDs and broken boundaries have taken centre stage in a Brisbane murder trial.
Military man Robert Crawford is accused of murdering his wife Frances Crawford after more than 20 years of his infidelity with multiple women was uncovered.
He has pleaded not guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Crown prosecutor Chris Cook has alleged Mr Crawford was determined to keep his beloved Upper Lockyer property and lucrative superannuation, not wanting to lose either in a potential divorce.
He further alleged Mr Crawford killed Ms Crawford and staged the scene to look as if she fell off a retaining wall while trying to move a mower.
In the third week of the trial, the court was told police uncovered nearly 18,000 messages between the Crawfords from April 2024 up until her death about July 30 a few months later.
Their conversations frequently mentioned issues with Ms Crawford’s “triggers” regarding Mr Crawford’s infidelity.
“Can you bring antibiotics with you to Italy just in case it’s an STD again?” Ms Crawford wrote to her husband, referring to an extended work trip to Italy in April 2024.
The court previously heard admissions Mr Crawford gave his wife an STD, contracted while he was cheating on her, but he claimed he had received it by sitting on a toilet seat.
“Hi Franny, (STD tests) were all clear … I miss you xx,” Mr Crawford texted a few days later.
While on the trip, Mr Crawford asked his wife for money, referring to a boundary the couple had agreed on where he was to advise her of any spending more than $30.
He also asked her to break a boundary to not drink alcohol, which the court was previously told was part of Ms Crawford’s requirements for reconciliation.
“You have an addiction, you have to protect yourself wisely even if you hate boundaries, if it’s too much for you to respect the necessary boundaries then we can’t work,” Ms Crawford wrote to her husband.
“Alcohol or relationship with me. Your choice.
“Don’t ask if you can break any boundary again. They are non negotiable,” she said.
“Yes of course,” he replied.
The jury was also shown texts between the pair where Ms Crawford told her husband he could keep all his lucrative superannuation in a potential divorce and he shouldn’t stay in the marriage out of fear of losing it.
The prosecution have alleged he was concerned he would lose his super and the house
“ … I’m staying for the right reasons, I love you Franny xx,” Mr Crawford replied.
More to come...
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
Originally published as Frances Crawford offered husband super payout before alleged murder, court told
