Man who ran Deeside business jailed for life after murdering partner in Chester
A man who previously ran a business in Deeside has been jailed for life on Friday for the murder of his partner at their home in Chester.
Tony Devenport, 57, was told he must serve a minimum of 22 years before he can be considered for release.
He was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, February 27, two days after a jury found him guilty of murdering Stephanie Blundell, 41.
Ms Blundell’s family described her as “one of the most radiant souls you could ever hope to meet.”
They said she was “kind-hearted, quick-witted and effortlessly stylish.”
Ms Blundell’s body was discovered on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Canal Street address she shared with Devenport.
Her father, Philip Blundell, found her after going to check on her welfare shortly after midday.
He found Devenport wandering around the house in an intoxicated state, repeatedly saying: “I think she’s dead.”
Ms Blundell was found upstairs, lying on a blood-soaked mattress, with extensive bruising and injuries across her face and body.
Paramedics confirmed she had died when they arrived at the scene.
Devenport had made no attempt to seek help during the period in which Ms Blundell had been fatally injured.
He repeatedly told officers he had “not done anything” and blamed Ms Blundell’s drinking.
In police interviews, he admitted grabbing her arms and pushing her onto a mattress during an argument the previous evening.
He claimed he lay beside her to comfort her when she appeared unwell and said he believed she died “peacefully” moments before her father arrived.
Paramedics and police noted blood on Devenport’s hands.
He was unable to explain the numerous bruises and more than 100 injuries found across Ms Blundell’s body.
Police enquiries revealed Ms Blundell had not left the house for approximately ten days before her death.
During that time, Devenport had been feeding her largely on alcohol and ice lollies.
The couple had met around a year earlier while both were receiving support for alcohol addiction.
Ms Blundell had enjoyed a successful career following school.
Devenport had previously run a business in Deeside.
Their relationship was described as stable when neither was drinking, but when intoxicated or using drugs, Devenport became violent, controlling and paranoid.
A post-mortem examination found Ms Blundell died from multiple injuries inflicted upon her, exacerbated by the effects of chronic alcoholism.
Devenport denied the offence throughout and the case went to trial.
At trial, he admitted slapping Ms Blundell two or three times “excessively” but could not explain the 102 injuries found on her body.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Andrew Madden, of CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “These included traumatic, recently inflicted brain injuries, fractures to both thyroid horns, often associated with strangulation or mechanical asphyxiation, and severe facial bruising.”
“Throughout this trial, Devenport has not only admitted lying in his police interviews but has repeatedly maintained that Stephanie died ‘peacefully’ due to her struggles with alcohol.”
“The prosecution adduced photographs of her injuries to demonstrate to the jury that his account was entirely fictitious.”
“Despite Stephanie’s condition, he did nothing to obtain help and pretended that, moments before her father arrived, he was attempting to resuscitate her, even though she was clearly dead.”
“The Crown Prosecution Service’s case was that he killed her when he lost his temper due to his consumption of alcohol and drugs. Today, the jury have agreed.”
“This is an extremely sad case and a tragic end for a young, talented woman who had a successful life ahead of her.”
Mr Madden thanked Ms Blundell’s family, who attended each day of the trial and were required to give evidence due to Devenport’s refusal to accept responsibility.
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.”
DI Price urged other victims of domestic abuse to come forward.
She said: “We take all reports extremely seriously and will use every resource available to us to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.”
In a tribute, Ms Blundell’s 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.”
“We will cherish our memories of her forever and spend the rest of our lives honouring her memory in everything we do.”
The family thanked the investigation team at Cheshire Constabulary, the legal team led by Owen Edwards KC and supported by James Coutts and Josh Gorst, and the witnesses who gave evidence.
They paid particular tribute to their family liaison officers, Katie Ashcroft and Paul Davis, saying they “truly went above and beyond” and made “a painful process much easier.”
The family said: “Sitting through the trial over the past three and a half weeks has been one of the most painful experiences of our lives.”
“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.”
“Although we welcome the verdict, it does not ease our loss. 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.”
If you are affected by domestic abuse, contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
Live Fear Free, the Welsh Government’s helpline for domestic abuse and sexual violence, is available on 0808 8010 800.
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