MAN JAILED FOR MURDER OF EX-GIRLFRIEND
A man convicted of murdering his former girlfriend during a brutal and relentless attack has been sentenced to serve a minimum of 16 years in prison.Robert Richens, 35 years old, admitted to killing Rachael Vaughan, aged 40, at her home located on Sherwood Avenue in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, on May 30 of the previous year.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that Richens did not seek medical attention for Vaughan after the assault and only made contact with emergency services when he felt he had exhausted all other options, calling 999 to surrender.
He was given a life sentence, with the judge setting a minimum term during a hearing at Oxford Crown Court.
During proceedings, the court heard a recording of Richens’s 999 call, where he confessed to having done something very serious.
He stated to the emergency dispatcher, "You're not going to believe this and I think I accidentally killed someone - she's not moving," and added, "I am being honest because I am ashamed of what I've done, I did not mean to kill this person." Video footage from Richens’s arrest was played in court, showing him, of Luther Street, Oxford, mentioning he would miss playing the popular video game Grand Theft Auto while incarcerated.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May, who led the investigation, highlighted that Vaughan was murdered in her own home, which should have been a safe space.
He described Richens’s actions as "heartless," and noted the prison sentence would hold him accountable.
He further explained that Richens left Vaughan alone, showed no concern for her well-being or medical help, and only contacted the authorities when he felt he had no other choice.
The officer expressed his condolences to Vaughan’s family and loved ones, emphasizing the tragic and unfathomable nature of their loss.
