Oxford man jailed for life after murdering girlfriend in Abingdon
40-year-old Rachael Vaughan was found seriously injured in her flat on Sherwood Avenue last May
Last updated 7th Feb 2026
A man who murdered his girlfriend in Abingdon has been sentenced to life in prison.
Robert Richens of Luther Street, Oxford, had previously admitted to killing 40-year-old Rachael Vaughan, who was described as 'highly vulnerable', with learning difficulties, anxiety and depression.
The court heard how their relationship, which began in spring 2023, was marked by Richens’ alleged jealous and possessive nature, leading to violence and isolation from Ms Vaughan's family and friends.
Prosecutor Mr Moore said she had told friends that 35-year-old Richens would shout at her and threaten her with violence, later confiding in them that he had raped and hit her.
Friends allegedly saw her with bruises and cuts, with one visiting the flat and saying Richens had “smashed it up.”
In the days leading up to her murder, the court heard that Ms Vaughan took refuge with a male friend, which made reportedly made Richens very angry.
On the evening of 29th May, between 11pm and midnight, Richens assaulted Ms Vaughan in her home on Sherwood Avenue, Abingdon.
Four nearby residents were said to have heard loud and shrill screams.
Mr Moore told the court that the attack included punching, kicking, and beating her with an implement, resulting in 64 sites of blunt force trauma.
It was said this led to significant injuries including compromised ribs, brain injury, and cutting injuries from a knife.
Richens allegedly remained in the flat with Ms Vaughan’s body for up to five hours attempting to clean the scene, before leaving and subsequently returning and calling the police.
In the 999 call, the court heard Richens say: "We had an argument and I think I just blacked out.
"I'm gonna go prison for life for this aren’t I?
"I did not mean to kill this person. I did not mean to do it."
Rachael Vaughan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The defence said that Richens is "a man with significant limitations" with clinical assessments highlighting his low intelligence and mental health issues.
He was sentenced to life in prison, serving a minimum term of 15 years and 145 days.