A man from West London who murdered his elderly partner attempted to make her death seem like an accident in a bid to avoid jail. In a call to 999, Clifford Cowen claimed to be concerned for Rita Fleming's welfare after looking through the letterbox of her Maida Hill home on June 23, 2024.

Upon arrival at Golborne Road, police and paramedics discovered the 70-year-old's unresponsive body in the bath. She was fully dressed and covered in severe injuries, prompting the launch of an investigation.

Cowen, of Kensington Park Gardens, repeatedly insisted officers check CCTV to prove he hadn't been at the address. This concerning behaviour led to the 59-year-old being arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who led the Met's investigation, sa

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