Robert Richens, of Luther Street in Oxford, was handed life in prison for the murder of Rachael Vaughan, his former girlfriend, at Oxford Crown Court this week.

The ‘jealous’ and ‘raging’ ex-partner ‘brutally’ murdered 40-year-old Ms Vaughan after an argument, subjecting her to a prolonged assault in which he inflicted at least 64 blows.

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Richens, 35, previously pleaded guilty to one count of murder following the death of Ms Vaughan on June 1 last year.

Robert Richens (Image: TVP)

Jailing the murderer for life with a minimum of 16 years and one month, Judge Ian Pringle KC said: “You subjected Rachael to a brutal attack in her own home. You punched, kicked and stamped on her repeatedly. You were responsible for several major rib fractures and a traumatic brain injury.

“The pain and suffering she must have endured is an aggravating factor in this case.”

Police added that his actions were “heartless”, and released a voice recording of the 999 call he made hours after the attack to turn himself in, as well as footage of him in custody.

After carrying out the violent act, Richens spent five hours in Ms Vaughan’s home, cleaning up her body, changing her clothes and cleaning the space.

At one point, the court heard, Richens told an officer “I could have dismantled it”, words which prosecuting counsel Neil Moore said were “particularly chilling, knowing what the defendant did for five hours with the body of Rachael Vaughan.”

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The murderer then called the police and turned himself in and in the call, played to the court and later released by the force, Richens said: “I thought I’d tell you something quite serious. What I’m about to tell you, I’ve done something quite serious.

“You’re not going to believe it, I think I accidentally killed someone. She’s just not moving. I’m being honest because I’m ashamed of what I’ve done, I thought I’d hand myself in.

The victim, Rachael Vaughan (Image: Thames Valley Police)

“We had an argument. I think I just blacked out. I’m going to go to prison for life for this aren’t I? I’m going to prison 100 per cent aren’t I?

“I woke up and she was cold on the floor. I could have dismantled the body.

“I did not mean to kill this person, I did not mean to do it.

“I don’t think I remember anything, I wish they’d ban alcohol.

“I’m scared.”

Later, in custody, Richens said: “I want to be punished, I don’t want to escape. I’m going to miss GTA and that.

“I accidentally killed her, at least I admitted to it, I’m going to get life.

“I can’t get it out of my head. I could have been on the run. I did something bad.”

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Following the sentencing, senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May, of the major crime unit, said: “Robert Richens’ actions were heartless. 

“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. 

“Today’s sentence means that Richens will now face the consequences of his merciless actions.”