Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Brutal Murder of Partner
Tony Devenport, 57, has been jailed for a minimum of 22 years after being convicted of murdering his partner, Stephanie Blundell, 41, in a case that involved over 100 injuries and severe abuse. The sentencing took place at Chester Crown Court, where Justice Steyn detailed the horrific events leading to Ms. Blundell's death on July 20, 2025.
Controlling Relationship and Final Days
Ms. Blundell had lived with Devenport for nearly two years in a controlling relationship, during which she did not have a house key and he retained her bank card. Despite a period of sobriety, the couple relapsed into heavy drinking during a trip to Slovakia in May last year. In the days before her death, Devenport trapped Ms. Blundell in his home on Canal Street, Chester, where she was bed-bound and had no means of contacting anyone.
Justice Steyn stated that Devenport inflicted "fierce, repeated and sustained assaults" on Ms. Blundell, including strangling her twice and beating her, which caused significant brain injuries. He also restricted her diet to only vodka and ice lollies, despite her suffering from acute pancreatitis and alcoholic ketoacidosis, conditions that would have caused immense pain and required medical attention.
Family's Heartbreaking Ordeal
Ms. Blundell's father, Philip Blundell, discovered her body and described the experience as one that will "stay with me for the rest of my life." He expressed that the thought of her dying alone in pain haunts him daily. In a family statement, Ms. Blundell was remembered as a "radiant soul" who was kind-hearted, quick-witted, and compassionate, with a bright smile that could light up a room.
The post-mortem examination confirmed that Ms. Blundell died from multiple injuries, exacerbated by chronic alcoholism. Devenport was arrested on suspicion of assault just 10 days before her death but breached his bail conditions by contacting her, after which she never left his house again.
Justice Served and Police Response
Detective Inspector Andrea Price of Cheshire Constabulary emphasized that while no sentence can bring Stephanie back, the conviction provides some comfort to her loved ones by holding Devenport accountable. She urged the public to remember Stephanie for her loving nature and the impact she had on those around her.
This case highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of support systems for victims. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and intervention in abusive relationships to prevent such tragedies.
