Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A man who murdered his partner and then attempted to stage a false scene has been convicted after Met Police detectives uncovered his lies.
Clifford Cowen, 59 (18.08.1966) of Kensington Park Gardens, W11 appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 14 August where it took the jury just six hours to find him guilty of murdering Rita Fleming.
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 that day 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.”
An investigation was launched on Sunday, 23 June 2024 after officers were called to 70-year-old Rita Fleming’s address on Golborne Road, W10 by the London Ambulance Service following reports of her being found unresponsive in the bath.
The call had come from Clifford Cowen, who called to say he had looked through the letterbox of Rita’s property and seen her feet in the bed and was concerned for her welfare. However, when officers and paramedics arrived, Rita was found fully clothed in the bath with multiple injuries.
Officers flagged concerns around Cowen’s behaviour at the scene as he was repeatedly asking officers to check CCTV to prove he wasn’t at the address.
Officers arrested him at the scene on suspicion of murder.
In interview, Cowen tried to claim that he was in a loving relationship with Rita, however officers found multiple messages and voice notes indicating that he would regularly get drunk and verbally abuse Rita.
He was charged with murder on Friday, 5 July 2024.
Following a four-week trial at the Old Bailey, a jury found Cowen guilty of murder.
He will appear at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, 1 September for sentencing.
DCI Alison Foxwell added:
“Cowen is a master manipulator who tried to portray his relationship with Rita as a loving one.
“He attempted to cover up his actions with an elaborate alibi, however officers were able to unpick this along with evidence of his controlling and manipulative behaviour.
“Rita was much loved by her family and friends and I hope that Cowen’s conviction gives them an element of closure.
“We understand how isolated victims of domestic abuse can feel. We encourage anyone to contact police and report so we can support alongside our specialist partner agencies.”