Greig WatsonEast Midlands
A man has admitted murdering a 23-year-old woman who was a former colleague he had a “brief relationship” with.
Nottinghamshire Police said Adedapo Adegbola fatally stabbed Stephanie Irons at her home on the evening of 21 October in Westdale Lane West, Mapperley, Nottinghamshire.
Adegbola, who the force said was “motivated” after their relationship ended, admitted murder at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday and will be sentenced on 5 February.
Police said Irons, described as “a caring and compassionate young woman”, had been taken from her friends and family “in horrific circumstances”.
Judge Nirmal Shant KC told the 40-year-old, of Woodborough Road, Mapperley, he faced a mandatory life sentence and it was just a question of “setting the minimum term”.
Members of Irons’s family were in court, and the prosecution confirmed victim impact statements were being prepared.
Police said the alarm was raised by co-workers after a series of concerning messages were sent to them on the evening of the attack, officers said.
Adegbola had fled but blood-stained trainers and a jumper were left on the streets of Mapperley and Carlton.
He then travelled to Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield and finally to Hull, police added.
On 22 October, he returned to Nottingham and handed himself in but then provided no comment to questions posed by detectives in subsequent police interviews.
Det Insp Stuart Barson said: “This is a tragic case in which a caring and compassionate young woman was taken away in horrific circumstances.
“Following the attack on Miss Irons, Adegbola made no attempt to call for an ambulance, and was concerned only with getting away from the scene and attempting to dispose of vital evidence.
“I want to thank Miss Irons’s family for the incredible strength that they have shown through this process.
“I hope that this outcome assists Steph’s family in coming to terms with such a dreadful loss.”
Shortly after her death, her family released a tribute and said a “bright young star has had her future taken away”.
Irons was described as a “beautiful, loving and caring daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend” by her family.
“She had compassion for others and would always see the good in everybody,” the tribute added.
“She had a huge heart and wore it on her sleeve.”
