Overview

• A multi-day committal began at Ipswich Magistrates Court with 183 prosecution statements tendered and testimony from forensic pathologist Dr Andrej Kedziora.
• Dr Kedziora detailed multiple head, neck and torso injuries, including a 16cm curvilinear scalp laceration with skull bone loss, abrasions to the throat and chin, and rib fractures.
• The pathologist said some injuries could be consistent with a fall from a ride-on mower, possibly involving the steering wheel or mower weight, but he could not reach firm conclusions without a scene and mower reconstruction.
• Prosecutors allege Robert John Crawford strangled his wife during an argument, possibly using a headlock, then staged the death to resemble a late-night mower accident.
• The court heard a drop of blood was found on a rock in the retaining wall, further forensic evidence will be called, and Crawford contests charges of murder and interfering with a corpse.