BREAKING: A critical court ruling has just dismissed a bail breach charge against Robert John Crawford, a former air force pilot accused of murdering his wife, Frances Crawford. The decision comes after a summary hearing at Toowoomba Magistrates Court on June 13, 2024, where Crawford faced allegations of failing to respond to police at his residence.
Crawford, 47, had been under strict bail conditions, which included a curfew from 8 PM to 8 AM, since being charged with murder and interference with a corpse in October 2024. The charges arose following the discovery of his wife’s body near a ride-on lawnmower at their rural property in Upper Lockyer, west of Brisbane.
During the hearing, it was revealed that police knocked on Crawford’s door at 1:55 AM on June 13, but he did not respond. Prosecutor Anita Page presented body-worn camera footage showing police knocking and looking into windows, but defense attorney Matthew Jackson argued that they failed to adequately announce their presence.
Crawford’s defense claimed he was asleep during the police visit and did not hear the knocks. “He was at home that night,” said defense solicitor Andrew McGinness. In a recorded interview, Crawford stated, “I was present at home. I did not hear any knocks on the door.”
Magistrate Mark Howden ultimately dismissed the breach charge after a two-hour hearing, stating, “I am satisfied (Crawford) was asleep when police knocked on his door and he did not hear them.” He emphasized that the police could not prove Crawford was asked to respond.
Crawford, dressed in a black suit and light blue tie, remained silent as he left the court, where he awaits further proceedings. The murder charge is scheduled for a committal hearing on October 8, 2024, at Ipswich Magistrates Court.
This ruling raises questions about the handling of bail conditions and police procedures in serious criminal cases. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of this case remain significant for both the accused and the community.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
