Family of Frances Crawford seek urgent court order over properties

Family of a Queensland woman allegedly murdered by her pilot husband have filed an urgent court application to protect the interests of her estate.

Frances Crawford was found dead at her Lockyer Valley home in July. Picture: Quality Life Psychology Services

Family of a Queensland woman allegedly murdered by her air force pilot husband have filed an urgent court application to protect the interests of her estate.

Psychologist Frances Crawford was found dead at her Lockyer Valley home in July with police charging her husband Robert John Crawford, 46, several months later.

The RAAF squadron leader is facing charges of murder and misconduct with a corpse by interfering.

Squadron Leader Robert Crawford.

Police have alleged in court documents that Crawford murdered Frances on or about July 30 and then moved her body.

Crawford called triple-0 the same day and claimed Frances had been involved in a lawnmower incident, it’s alleged.

On Friday in Brisbane’s Supreme Court lawyers acting for her brother David Pilon launched an urgent application relating to a number of properties that have caveats on them that expire next week.

Barrister Anna Bratti said Mr Pilon only found out this week that he was a substitute executor of his sister’s estate when his lawyer obtained the will through police who had earlier seized documents from a Toowoomba law firm that had dealings with the family.

“This matter’s been brought on urgently,” Ms Bratti said.

Crawford, who appeared by video link from Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre, sought an adjournment so he could speak to his lawyers.

“I can assure you … I’m not selling the properties, this is ridiculous this whole thing about the urgency there’s no urgency, “ he said.

Frances Crawford.

Justice Hindman queried the need to make orders today given the caveats were in place until Thursday.

“Why would I have any concerns about dealings with the property? I mean I could make orders of a freezing nature but why would I … when there’s a caveat,” she said.

“Who’s going to do something to these properties, he’s (Crawford) in jail.”

Mr Bratti said the caveat was not in the name of the legal representative of Frances and her client wanted to lodge one in the name of her estate’s interests.

Justice Hindman decided to adjourn the application until Wednesday.

“I will be making orders on Wednesday about the matter, either in accordance with the application or to ensure that no dealings can be made in respect of the properties until the issue is resolved,” she said.

Crawford remains in custody.

Originally published as Family of Frances Crawford seek urgent court order over properties