A man convicted of murdering his former partner in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has had his minimum life sentence increased by the Court of Appeal. Robert Richens, 35, was originally ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years and one month following his guilty plea to the murder of 40-year-old Rachael Vaughan in May 2025.

The court heard that Richens caused more than 60 injuries to Vaughan during an attack at her home, which occurred after a pattern of controlling behavior in their relationship. Despite the severity of the assault, Richens did not contact authorities until the following day, claiming he believed he had killed someone.

Following a referral of the original sentence, the Court of Appeal raised Richens’ minimum term to 19 and a half years. Lord Justice Males noted the existence of multiple instances of violence throughout the relationship, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses.

Attorney General Ellie Reeves commented on the case, underscoring the devastating impact of domestic homicide. She stated that sentences must adequately reflect the gravity and horror of such crimes.

Richens will now serve the increased minimum term before becoming eligible for parole, reflecting judicial efforts to ensure appropriate punishment in cases of domestic violence resulting in murder.