Jury hears former RAAF pilot allegedly murdered wife; prosecution calls him a love rat and master manipulator

Prosecution alleges staged death

Cook described Crawford as a “love rat” and “master manipulator,” and alleged he made his wife’s death appear accidental. Her body was discovered near a ride-on lawnmower at the foot of a retaining wall.

The property was a large rural holding west of Toowoomba. The prosecution alleges Crawford continued a campaign to present the death as an accident.

Marriage and alleged motive

The jury heard that the couple were close to divorce when Crawford’s wife died. Cook said Crawford was not committed to the marriage. The prosecution alleges he wanted to keep the couple’s house and avoid dividing his superannuation. His wife had given him a detailed list of boundaries, including conditions she considered grounds for ending the marriage.

What the jury will consider

Justice Lincoln Crowley told jurors the prosecution would allege Crawford caused his wife’s death through strangulation or blunt-force trauma. He also said a viewing would help them understand the evidence.

Crawford’s defence barrister had not yet made an opening statement. The allegations remain matters for the jury to consider at trial.