Tributes have been paid to Stephanie Blundell following the sentencing of the man convicted of her murder at his Chester home.

Today (Friday 27 February), Tony Devenport, 57, was given a mandatory life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years to be served before he is eligible for parole.

He was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Stephanie Blundell, after a 16-day trial at Chester Crown Court.

At around 12.20pm on Sunday 20 July 2025, Cheshire Police were contacted by the Stephanie's father, who told police that he had found his daughter's lifeless body at Devenport's house on Canal Street. Upon arrival, officers and paramedics found the victim dead inside the address, with visible injuries to her face, neck and body.

Following his arrest, Devenport was taken in for questioning, where he denied being responsible for Stephanie's death. However, a post-mortem later confirmed that the injuries on Stephanie's body were a result of a sustained and violent assault.

Devenport was charged with Stephanie's murder and an additional count of manslaughter. Despite his denial, the casefile of evidence stacked against him led a jury to find him guilty of murder.

Stephanie's family have now paid tribute, describing their loved one as "without question, one of the most radiant souls you could ever hope to meet."

Outlining the trial as "one of the most painful experiences" of their lives, the family said: "We have heard distressing evidence and learned information that we were previously unaware of. It has been deeply difficult to process, particularly knowing that, had certain facts come to light sooner, Steph would still be with us today."

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Tony Devenport was given a mandatory life sentence and a minimum term of 22-years (Image via: Cheshire Constabulary)

They described Stephanie as "kind-hearted, quick-witted and effortlessly stylish", with her "warmth and compassion" having been "evident throughout this trial".

"Although we welcome the verdict, it does not ease our loss," they added, "It does not bring Steph back.

"The grief we carry is profound and will be with us forever. We now begin the long and painful process of learning how to live without her, and of finding a way to move forward while holding her memory close.

"We will cherish our memories of her forever and spend the rest of our lives honouring her memory in everything we do."

Expressing their "deepest gratitude" to Chester Constabulary, who led the investigation over seven months, the family cited the team's "professionalism, diligence and compassion" as they thanked them for their work.

They said: The thorough case they carefully put together ensured that justice could be served, and we are profoundly thankful for their unwavering commitment."

In particular, the family thanked the work of their family liaison officers, Katie Ashcroft and Paul Davis, of whom they described as making a "painful process much easier" for them. Stephanie's family also cited their "exceptional" legal team, led by Owen Edwards KC and supported by James Coutts and Josh Gorst, for their "clarity, integrity and meticulous presentation of the evidence".

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Witnesses, police officers, paramedics, pathologists, neuroscientists, Steph's friends, work colleagues, and "and members of the public who did not even know her" were also thanked for their contribution to the case.

"Their courage in coming forward and their compassion towards Steph have meant more to us than we can express," the family added, "Their actions have been a powerful reminder of the goodness and humanity that still exists in the world."

Following the sentencing, detective inspector Andrea Price, of Cheshire Constabulary's Major Investigation Team, said: "Stephanie was loved and cherished amongst family and friends, and although today marks the day her killer is brought to justice, I want Stephanie to be the one who we remember.

"Stephanie's family have shown remarkable strength throughout this investigation, and our thoughts remain with them as they navigate a future without her. No family should ever have to endure the devastation caused by such violence.

"While no sentence can ever bring Stephanie back, I hope today's result provides her loved ones with some comfort in knowing that Devenport has now been held accountable for what he has done.

"I would like to take this opportunity to urge other victims of domestic abuse to come forward and contact us.

"We take all reports extremely seriously and will use every resource available to us to protect victims and bring offenders to justice."