A man who brutally stabbed his former partner to death because he could not accept the end of their relationship has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. The horrific crime took place in Mapperley, Nottinghamshire, and has left the victim's family utterly devastated.
Controlling behaviour leads to fatal attack
Adedapo Adegbola, aged 40, demonstrated controlling behaviour throughout the relationship and could not cope when Stephanie Iron's decided to end their partnership. In a calculated and violent act, Adegbola entered her home while she was outside taking her bins out, then attacked her with a knife, stabbing her in the neck.
Callous actions after the murder
After committing the murder, Adegbola remained at the property for approximately one hour and fifty minutes before being seen leaving. During this time, he committed the particularly callous act of sending sexually explicit messages from Stephanie's phone after she had already died, adding further distress to the investigation and her grieving family.
Court proceedings and sentencing
At Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, Adegbola admitted to the murder and was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge specified that he must serve a minimum of 25 years before being considered for parole. During the sentencing hearing, Adegbola wept in court as the details of his crime were presented.
Victim remembered as compassionate and caring
Stephanie Iron's mother provided a heartbreaking victim impact statement in court, describing her daughter as having a 'compassionate and caring' nature that touched everyone she met. She expressed her profound grief, stating: 'I have no words to say how broken I am to have lost her in such a horrific way.'
The mother continued to paint a picture of a woman who brought light into every room: 'She lit up the room and could make even the saddest person smile. That's because she wanted to make a happy and kinder world.' These words highlighted the tragic loss of a life dedicated to spreading kindness and joy.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and controlling behaviour in relationships. The court's decision to impose a substantial minimum sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the need to protect society from such dangerous individuals.
