The devastated family of a young Midlands woman brutally murdered in her own home have spoken of their unimaginable loss, describing how their lives have been changed forever by a 'heinous and violent' attack that took their 'shining light'.
A Life Cut Tragically Short
Steph Irons, a 23-year-old described by her heartbroken parents as their 'beautiful daughter', was fatally assaulted at her home on Westdale Lane West in Mapperley on October 21 last year. The alarm was raised by a concerned co-worker who had received worrying messages from Steph's mobile phone, but tragically, emergency services pronounced her dead just after 11pm that evening.
A post-mortem examination revealed the young woman had sustained a fatal knife wound to her neck, with defensive wounds also found on her arms, indicating she had tried to protect herself during the violent attack.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
In an emotional statement following the sentencing of her killer, Steph's parents paid tribute to their daughter, saying: "We have lost our beautiful daughter and shining light. Nothing will ever take away the pain that has been caused by this senseless act."
They continued: "Steph was the kindest, sweetest person anyone could meet, and our lives will never be the same. She touched so many lives with her personality and kind soul. While justice will be done, time will never heal our loss. Our family and friends' lives have changed forever."
The grieving parents added that not a day would pass without them remembering "all the good she brought to the world", acknowledging that "a huge hole has been left in our lives".
Killer's Attempted Escape and Surrender
The man responsible for this tragedy, 40-year-old Adedapo Adegbola, was Steph's former work colleague. The court heard that he fatally attacked her after their brief relationship ended, then fled the scene in a desperate attempt to escape justice.
Following the violent assault, Adegbola travelled to his property in Mansfield, leaving behind crucial evidence including his blood-stained trainers, a jumper, and Steph's house keys and mobile phone on the streets of Mapperley and Carlton. He remained at the Mansfield address until approximately 4.30am the following morning before ordering a taxi to Worksop.
His journey continued with another taxi to Sheffield, eventually reaching Hull before returning to Nottingham just before 9am. It was then that he presented himself at Oxclose Lane Police Station and handed himself in to authorities.
Justice Served After Guilty Plea
Initially arrested on suspicion of murder and responding with 'no comment' during police interviews, Adegbola later changed his plea. When he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on January 26, he pleaded guilty to murder, bringing some measure of closure to the lengthy legal process.
Sentencing him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years, Judge Shant KC told Adegbola: "What you did that day was take the life of a young girl who was compassionate and the devastation you have caused to her mother, step-father, friends and others is profound. She was in the prime of her life and your actions took away her future."
Police Praise Family's Strength
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Stuart Barson from Nottinghamshire Police paid tribute to Steph's family, saying: "Miss Irons' family have shown incredible strength and bravery throughout the whole process, and I would personally like to thank them for their assistance throughout this legal ordeal."
He described the case as "truly shocking and tragic", noting that "a young woman who had her whole future ahead of her has had her life cut short far too soon". The detective inspector highlighted how Steph had "a circle of friends and colleagues who thought the absolute world of her", which he said was "a testament to who she was - a kind and caring professional who would do anything for anybody".
Emergency Services Recognised
Detective Inspector Barson also acknowledged the challenging work of emergency service colleagues who were first to arrive at what he described as "a simply harrowing scene". He praised their immediate and professional response, saying they did "everything possible to help" in extremely difficult circumstances.
The investigation team received particular recognition for their "tireless work" in gathering "undeniable evidence that gave the defendant nowhere to hide", while specially trained family liaison officers were commended for their close support of the grieving family throughout this devastating period.
While acknowledging that "today's sentence will not bring Steph back", Detective Inspector Barson expressed hope that it would "give her family some comfort" knowing that Adegbola would now spend "a very considerable amount of time behind bars" for his "heinous and violent act".
The family themselves expressed gratitude to the police force, stating in their tribute: "We would like to say thank you to the police. We won't name individual officers but on a personal level they will know. Their tireless work, investigation and support has been second to none."
