Victim Lived Captive 10 Days, Fed Vodka Lollies

Tony Devenport, 57, has been convicted of murdering Stephanie Blundell, 46, following a ten-day ordeal where he held her captive and subjected her to a campaign of severe abuse. Ms. Blundell was discovered lifeless on a blood-soaked mattress at their Chester home by her father, Phil Blundell. She had sustained more than 100 injuries and was emaciated, weighing only 48kg.

During the captivity, Devenport force-fed Ms. Blundell vodka-laced ice lollies. Upon discovery, he was found wandering the flat in an "intoxicated daze," reportedly saying, "I think she's dead." Jurors at Chester Crown Court heard that Ms. Blundell, a talented former marketing executive for Tag Heuer, had described Devenport's behavior as frightening when he was binge-drinking.

Although Devenport had previously quit drinking, he relapsed during a trip to Slovakia in May 2025. Following their return, Ms. Blundell expressed fear to a taxi driver that Devenport would assault her. Despite a prior arrest for assault, she requested no action be taken. In the days leading up to her death, a stay at a hotel ended with Devenport being ejected after a disturbance.

Phil Blundell went to the couple's home on June 20, 2025, after not hearing from his daughter for ten days. He described a horrific scene upon entering the flat, which was covered in filth. Ms. Blundell had 102 injuries, including severe brain trauma consistent with blunt force, contributing directly to her death. Devenport falsely claimed he had only "slapped her about a few times."