UK Court Sentences Man to Life for Murder of Former Girlfriend

A 40-year-old man, Adedapo Adegbola, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 23-year-old former girlfriend, university student Steph Irons, in Nottingham, England.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that Adegbola stabbed Irons to death at her home in Mapperley on October 21, 2025, following the end of their brief relationship. The pair had met as co-workers.

Prosecutors stated that Adegbola became obsessed with Irons after their separation and planned the attack. He traveled to her residence by taxi after purchasing two knives online.

The court was told that he ambushed Irons as she stepped outside to take out her rubbish, forced his way inside, and carried out the fatal assault. Concern arose after Irons’ colleagues received disturbing messages sent from her phone. Police discovered her body in the living room with multiple stab wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the attack, Adegbola fled, discarding bloodstained clothing in the Mapperley and Carlton areas. He traveled through several towns before eventually surrendering to police. Although he declined to answer questions during interviews, detectives reconstructed his movements before and after the killing.

Adegbola pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years.

In reaction, lead investigator Detective Inspector Stuart Barson described Irons as a “caring and compassionate young woman” killed in “horrific circumstances.” He noted that Adegbola made no attempt to call for help and was solely focused on escaping and disposing of evidence.

In a victim impact statement, Irons’ mother said the loss was devastating and had left her broken. The family remembered Steph as a loving person who had planned to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology after completing her degree and master’s programme.