A 40 year old man has confessed to killing 23 year old Stephanie Irons, who he previously worked with and had been in what police described as a brief relationship with.

According to Nottinghamshire Police, Adedapo Adegbola stabbed Miss Irons at her home in Westdale Lane West, Mapperley, on the evening of 21 October. Officers said he was motivated by the breakdown of their relationship.

Adegbola admitted the murder at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday and is due to be sentenced on 5 February.

Police said Miss Irons, remembered as a caring and compassionate young woman, had been taken from those closest to her in horrific circumstances.

Judge Nirmal Shant KC informed Adegbola, of Woodborough Road, Mapperley, that he would receive a mandatory life sentence, telling the court the only issue would be determining the minimum term.

Members of Miss Irons’s family attended the hearing, and the prosecution confirmed that victim impact statements were being prepared. The alarm was raised by colleagues after they received a series of concerning messages on the night of the stabbing, officers said.

Adegbola fled the scene, leaving behind blood stained trainers and a jumper in the Mapperley and Carlton areas. Police said he then travelled through Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield and finally to Hull. On 22 October he returned to Nottingham and handed himself in, although he refused to answer questions during 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."

Soon after her death, Miss Irons’s family released a tribute describing how a bright young star had had her future taken away.

They said she was a beautiful, loving and caring daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. The tribute added:

"She had compassion for others and would always see the good in everybody.
"She had a huge heart and wore it on her sleeve."