A 59-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering his partner in West London and attempting to disguise her death as an accident.
Clifford Cowen, of Kensington Park Gardens, W11, was convicted at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 14 August, after a jury deliberated for just six hours. He was found guilty of killing Rita Fleming, 70, at her home in Golborne Road, W10 in June 2024.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who led the investigation, said:
“As our investigation into Rita’s death developed, it became clear that Clifford Cowen was a controlling and abusive partner. Clifford called 999 and attempted to make Rita’s death look like an accident, as though she had drowned in the bath. Thanks to the information given by key witnesses and the work of our Specialist Crime Team, we have been able to show the court what a cowardly individual Cowen is.”
Emergency services were called to Rita’s address on Sunday, 23 June 2024 after Cowen claimed he had looked through her letterbox, seen her feet in bed, and was concerned for her welfare. However, when officers and paramedics entered, they found Rita fully clothed in the bath with multiple injuries.
Cowen’s behaviour at the scene raised immediate suspicion, with officers noting that he repeatedly urged them to check CCTV to prove he was not there. He was arrested on suspicion of murder.
During interviews, Cowen insisted theirs was a loving relationship, but investigators uncovered a series of abusive messages and voice notes in which he verbally attacked Rita while intoxicated.
He was charged with murder on Friday, 5 July 2024, and following a four-week trial at the Old Bailey, was found guilty.
Cowen will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, 1 September.
DCI Foxwell added:
“Cowen is a master manipulator who tried to portray his relationship with Rita as loving. He attempted to cover up his actions with an elaborate alibi, but we were able to dismantle his lies with witness testimony and evidence of his controlling behaviour. Rita was much loved by her family and friends, and I hope his conviction gives them some closure.”
Police are urging anyone experiencing domestic abuse to contact them or seek help through specialist support agencies.
