Controlling Partner Receives Life Sentence for Murder of Bed-Bound Woman with Over 100 Injuries
A controlling and abusive man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his partner, who was found with more than 100 injuries after being left trapped and bed-bound in their shared home. Tony Devenport, 57, was convicted earlier this week for the killing of 41-year-old Stephanie Blundell in July 2025 at their residence on Canal Street in Chester.
Horrific Discovery by Father
Mrs. Blundell's father, Philip Blundell, made the devastating discovery of his daughter's heavily bruised and beaten body sprawled on a mattress. He told Chester Crown Court that the sight "will stay with me for the rest of my life." He added, "The thought that she died alone in pain with nobody to comfort her haunts me every day."
Judge's Condemnation of Sustained Assaults
Judge Mr. Justice Steyn sentenced Devenport to life with a minimum term of 22 years, stating that Stephanie Blundell died on the morning of July 20, 2025, "as a result of fierce, repeated and sustained assaults inflicted by you over the preceding day or two." The judge noted that her father had "the most terrible experience a parent can face" when visiting that Sunday afternoon to find his beloved daughter dead, with clear marks of severe beatings.
Judge Steyn described Ms. Blundell as someone who "always saw the good in people, including you, never giving up on them. She had an enormous capacity to love and a bright smile that could light up a room."
Pattern of Control and Coercion
Jurors heard evidence that Devenport was controlling and coercive toward Ms. Blundell. Despite living together for two years, she did not have her own key to their home, and Devenport kept her bank card in his wallet. He was arrested on suspicion of assaulting her just 10 days before her death but breached bail conditions "within minutes" by calling her phone. After he called a taxi to pick her up, she "never left" the house again.
Neglect and Alcohol Abuse
Between July 10 and 20, Ms. Blundell, who suffered from acute pancreatitis and alcoholic ketoacidosis, was bed-bound with "no means of contacting anyone." Instead of providing care, Devenport purchased over 12 liters of vodka and 72 cans of beer. Evidence showed he strangled her twice in the days before her death and beat her, causing significant brain injuries.
Judge Steyn stated that Ms. Blundell was "bound to be pleading with you for help" in her final days, but Devenport only gave her alcohol and ice lollies. "As a result of your actions, Stephanie would have been in pain and fear and you kept her there, offering little but vodka," the judge told him.
Family's Tribute to a Radiant Soul
A post-mortem examination found that Mrs. Blundell died from multiple injuries, exacerbated by chronic alcoholism. In a statement released after sentencing, her family said, "Steph was, without question, one of the most radiant souls you could ever hope to meet. She was kind-hearted, quick-witted and effortlessly stylish. Her warmth and compassion have been evident throughout this trial and that brings us some comfort that her true loving nature has been seen by so many."
This case highlights ongoing issues of domestic violence and coercive control, with campaigns like Metro's "This Is Not Right" aiming to address violence against women. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of such abuse.
