Steph Irons’ family said their lives ‘changed forever’ when she was fatally assaulted at her home on October 21 last year
Steph Irons
The devastated parents of a young Midlands woman killed in a ‘heinous and violent’ attack said a ‘huge hole’ had been left in their lives.
Steph Irons’ family said their lives ‘changed forever’ when she was fatally stabbed at her home on October 21 last year.
The 23-year-old’s killer, Adedapo Adegbola, has now been jailed for life – however for Steph’s family, ‘nothing will ever take away the pain’ of losing their ‘shining light’.
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Paying tribute to their daughter, Steph’s parents said: “We have lost our beautiful daughter and shining light.
“Nothing will ever take away the pain that has been caused by this senseless act.
“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.
“Not a day will go by where we will not remember Steph, all the good she brought to the world and a huge hole has been left in our lives.
“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.”
Steph was found with fatal knife wounds in the living room of her home in Westdale Lane West, Mapperley.
The alarm was raised by a co-worker, who had received ‘concerning messages’ from Steph’s mobile phone.
Tragically, Steph was pronounced dead just after 11pm.
A post-mortem found she’d died after sustaining a knife wound to her neck. Defensive wounds were also found on her arms.
Adedapo Adegbola
Steph’s former work colleague, Adegbola, had fatally attacked her after their brief relationship ended.
Following the attack, Adegbola fled to his property in Mansfield, leaving his blood-stained trainers, a jumper, and Steph’s house keys and mobile phone on the streets of Mapperley and Carlton.
The 40-year-old remained at the address until around 4.30am the next day (October 22, 2025), then ordered a taxi to Worksop.
He then got another taxi to Sheffield, and ended up in Hull.
Returning to Nottingham just before 9am, he went to Oxclose Lane Police Station and handed himself in.
Adegbola was arrested on suspicion of murder but said ‘no comment’ during interviews.
He later pleaded guilty to murder when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on January 26.
Sentencing him to life imprisonment with a 25-year minimum term, 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.”
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Stuart Barson from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This is a truly shocking and tragic case where a young woman who had her whole future ahead of her has had her life cut short far too soon.
“Our focus from the very start of this investigation has been to get justice for Steph, her family and friends, and that has been reflected through the results today.
“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.
“As shown through this process, Steph had a circle of friends and colleagues who thought the absolute world of her, and this is a testament to who she was – a kind and caring professional who would do anything for anybody.
“I particularly want to acknowledge the emergency service colleagues who were faced with a simply harrowing scene when they first arrived at the property. They acted immediately and professionally to do everything possible to help.
“My thanks also go to all of the investigation team who worked tirelessly to gather undeniable evidence that gave the defendant nowhere to hide.
“Finally, I would like to highlight the work of our specially trained family liaison officers. They have closely supported the family through this difficult time.
“Adegbola committed a heinous and violent act, and I am pleased he will now spend a very considerable amount of time behind bars.
“Today’s sentence will not bring Steph back, but I hope it gives her family some comfort.”
