# Former RAAF pilot accused of murdering wife was a ‘love rat’ and ‘master manipulator’, jury hears

https://mins.news/en/item/115315

- The Guardian, 2026-10-26 05:28 UTC
- Society
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/26/raaf-pilot-robert-john-crawford-murder-trial-wife-ntwnfb

> Prosecutors told a Brisbane supreme court jury that former RAAF pilot Robert John Crawford was a “love rat” and “master manipulator” who allegedly staged his wife’s death to look like an accident. The 49-year-old pleaded not guilty to murdering Frances Elizabeth Crawford at Upper Lockyer on 29 July 2024. Prosecutors cited the marriage breakdown and potential financial losses in a divorce as motives. The trial is expected to hear from up to 47 witnesses over three weeks.