Man jailed for 'merciless' murder of ex-girlfriend

A man who murdered his ex-girlfriend during a "merciless" attack has been jailed for a minimum of 16 years.

Robert Richens, 35, admitted killing 40-year-old Rachael Vaughan at her home in Sherwood Avenue in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, on 30 May last year.

Thames Valley Police said Richens had not sought medical help for his victim after the "heartless" assault and called 999 to turn himself in only "when he had nowhere else to turn".

He was handed a life sentence with the minimum term during a hearing at Oxford Crown Court earlier.

During the hearing, the court was played the 999 call in which Richens said he had "done something quite serious".

"You're not going to believe this and I think I accidentally killed someone - she's not moving," he told the operator.

"I am being honest because I am ashamed of what I've done, I did not mean to kill this person."

Police said footage of the arrest was played in court in which Richens, of Luther Street, Oxford, can be heard saying he was "going to miss" playing the popular video game Grand Theft Auto when he was in prison.

Investigating officer Det Ch Insp Stuart May said Rachael had been killed "in the very place she should have felt safest — her own home".

He said Richens' actions had been "heartless", and that the sentence meant he would "now face the consequences of his merciless actions".

"He left Rachael alone in her house, made no attempt to help her or seek medical attention and he only contacted police when he had nowhere else to turn," he said.

"My thoughts remain with Rachael Vaughan's family and with everyone who loved her as they continue to face what is an unimaginable loss."

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