Abingdon murder house available to rent year after killing

Rachael Vaughan was killed by her boyfriend Robert Richens at her home in Sherwood Avenue, Abingdon on May 30 last year.

The 40-year-old, described by Judge Ian Pringle KC as a “highly vulnerable” woman, was repeatedly attacked by Richens on the night of her death.

Richens, who was 35 at the time and from Oxford, made efforts to clean up the body of his victim and her flat in the aftermath.

Robert Richens telling police he will miss GTA 6 during his arrest (Image: Thames Valley Police)

And now, with a refurb in the kitchen and shower room, the one-bedroom flat is available to rent.

Marketed by Finders Keepers in Abingdon, the flat is available for £1,300 per calendar month, at the higher end of the average rental price for one bedroom in the Abingdon area.

It comes with a “delightful” and large double bedroom, a living room, private garden with on-street parking, a refurbished shower room and a newly fitted kitchen with integrated appliances.

However, no Playstation will be included as the flat is unfurnished.

Richens, in a video that went viral, admitted his crime when he was arrested but was heard telling police officers: “I’m going to miss GTA 6.”

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In England there is no specific “murder disclosure” statute, but agents and landlords must disclose any material information about a property.

And recent murders or violent deaths can fall into that category so they may have a legal duty to tell you, especially if you ask directly.

Rachael Vaughan (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Floral tributes have been laid outside Ms Vaughan’s home (Image: Kari Lindsay)

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.”

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.”

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.