His blood-stained trainers and jumpers were found on the street
The 23-year-old studied at Nottingham Trent University and had ambitions to be a psychologist(Image: Nottinghamshire Police)
A 40-year-old man has admitted the murder of “bright young star” Stephanie Irons in her Mapperley home.
The 23-year-old was found dead by emergency services at her home on Westdale Lane on October 21 after concerns were raised about her safety.
Adedapo Adegbola, of Woodborough Road, Mapperley, admitted a single charge of murder at Nottingham Crown Court today (January 26).
Nottinghamshire Police said Adegbola was a former work colleague of Ms Irons.
The alarm was raised by co-workers after a series of concerning messages were sent to them on the evening of the attack.
Emergency services were then called to Westdale Lane West, Mapperley, at 10pm where they discovered Miss Irons wounded in her living room.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene a short while later.
By this point, Adegbola had fled to a property in Mansfield, leaving a trail of discarded evidence, including blood-stained trainers and a jumper on the streets of Mapperley and Carlton.
He then travelled to Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield and finally to Hull.
The next morning (October 22, 2025), he returned to Nottingham and handed himself in at Oxclose Police Station, where he was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Adedapo Adegbola has pleaded guilty to the murder of Stephanie Irons(Image: )
He went on to provide no comment to questions posed by detectives in police interviews; however, investigators gathered crucial evidence to charge Adegbola with murder.
Adegbola will be sentenced on Thursday, February 5.
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, of the force, 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.
“Although he initially turned himself in, he went on to provide no comments to police interviews. The evidence compiled against him, though, has left the defendant with no choice but to plead guilty today.
Steph Irons died in her home after she was attacked by Adedapo Adegbola(Image: )
“I want to thank Miss Irons’ 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.”
In a statement, Steph’s family previously paid tribute to the “bright young star,” adding: “Steph had an infectious smile and laugh which lit up any room she walked into.
“She was a beautiful, loving and caring daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. She had a compassion for others and would always see good in everybody. She had a huge heart and wore it on her sleeve.”