A man who murdered his former partner told police he would miss playing the new video game Grand Theft Auto after being arrested, a court has heard.
Robert Richens**, 35, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years for killing Rachael Vaughan, 40, at her home in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
Richens admitted killing Ms Vaughan at her address in Sherwood Avenue on 30 May last year. He was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court.
During the hearing, jurors were shown footage of his arrest in which he told officers he was “going to miss” playing Grand Theft Auto while in prison. The comment was made shortly after he had been taken into custody.
The court also heard the 999 call made by Richens, in which he told the operator he had “done something quite serious” and said Ms Vaughan was not moving.
He said: “I think I accidentally killed someone. I am ashamed of what I’ve done.”
Thames Valley Police** said Richens did not seek medical help for Ms Vaughan after the assault and only contacted emergency services when he had “nowhere else to turn”.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May said Ms Vaughan had been killed in her own home, where she should have felt safest.
He described Richens’ actions as “heartless” and said the sentence meant he would now face the consequences of his conduct.
“He left Rachael alone, made no attempt to help her, and only contacted police when he had nowhere else to turn,” he said.
The court heard that Ms Vaughan suffered fatal injuries during what was described as a merciless attack. Richens showed little emotion as evidence, including the arrest footage, was played.
Family members of Ms Vaughan were present in court as the sentence was passed.
Police said the investigation had highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and urged anyone experiencing abuse to seek help.