In a heartbreaking tale of obsession and tragedy, a man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend in Nottingham. Adedapo Adegbola, 40, was found guilty of brutally stabbing Stephanie Irons, a vibrant 23-year-old aspiring psychologist, who colleagues described as a “bright young star.”
The chilling events unfolded on the night of October 21, 2025, when Stephanie’s colleagues grew worried after receiving disturbing messages from her. When police arrived at her Mapperley flat, they discovered the young woman severely injured, and she was pronounced dead shortly after.
Adegbola’s obsessive and controlling behaviour had emerged after Stephanie ended their short-lived relationship. Refusing to accept the breakup, he forced his way into her home, savagely attacked her, and then left bloody footprints as he fled the scene. The following day, he surrendered himself to authorities, accepting responsibility for the heinous crime.
During the trial, it was revealed that Adegbola meticulously planned the attack, locking Stephanie’s door behind him and discarding incriminating evidence around Mapperley and Carlton. Prosecutors described his actions as those of a man obsessed, unable to accept the end of their relationship.
At Nottingham Crown Court, Judge Nirmal Shant KC sentenced Adegbola to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years, denouncing his actions as a devastating blow to Stephanie’s family and loved ones. Stephanie’s mother, Donna Fox, shared a poignant victim impact statement, expressing the immense grief and loss felt by all who knew her. “She was my world and best friend… she had such a kind heart,” Donna said, highlighting the profound absence left by her daughter’s untimely death.
Stephanie’s dream was to become a clinical psychologist, a path she can no longer walk. Her family remembers her as a loving, ambitious young woman whose life was tragically cut short.
The community is shaken and united in support for Stephanie’s family, mourning the loss of a promising life and cherishing the memories of a truly remarkable individual.