Tony Devenport Found Guilty of Murdering Jet-Setting Executive Stephanie Blundell in Chester After Months of Domestic Abuse

A tragic story of abuse, fear, and loss unfolded in Chester last year when Stephanie Blundell, a 46-year-old former luxury executive, was beaten to death by her boyfriend Tony Devenport, 57.

Known for rubbing shoulders with celebrities and attending high-profile events, Ms Blundell’s life came to a shocking and violent end at the hands of a man she had once trusted but feared.

Her father, Phil Blundell, discovered her body in the apartment she shared with Devenport.

He described her appearance as “like a zombie,” weighing just 48kg and showing multiple bruises across her body.

The horrific scene left him shocked and devastated, marking the end of a life that had once traveled from Paris to Formula One circuits across the globe.

Life Among the Rich and Famous

Stephanie Blundell had a remarkable career in the luxury watch industry, starting as an intern with Tag Heuer in 2007.

Over a decade, she rose through the ranks and gained access to exclusive events, mingling with stars like Lewis Hamilton, Stirling Moss, Damon Hill, Pharrell Williams, and Kanye West.

Her work allowed her to travel extensively, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, building a life of glamour and ambition.

Despite her achievements, her personal life became increasingly troubled.

After struggling with her own alcohol use, she returned to live with her parents and began a relationship with Tony Devenport in 2024.

A Relationship Marked by Fear and Abuse

According to court testimony, Devenport, who had a history of alcoholism and business struggles, engaged in controlling and abusive behavior toward Stephanie.

She likened her experience with him to the horror film The Shining, describing his paranoid rages as terrifying and unpredictable.

During a holiday to Kostice in the Czech Republic, the couple clashed over his drinking, which escalated after their return to Chester.

Stephanie was reportedly confined to their home for ten days and fed vodka-laced ice lollies.

Police were called after she expressed fear of his violence, but she requested no action be taken against him.

The Day of the Murder

Tragedy struck on June 20, 2025, when Phil Blundell arrived at the apartment and found his daughter dead.

Devenport, in an “intoxicated daze,” claimed Stephanie’s death was due to an internal injury caused by her own alcohol consumption, despite evidence of repeated abuse.

The apartment was described as filthy, with beer cans scattered everywhere.

Devenport admitted to grabbing Stephanie’s arms and pushing her onto a mattress the night before but denied responsibility for her death.

Messages and witness accounts painted a picture of a man whose behavior swung between charming and terrifying depending on his sobriety.

The Court Case and Conviction

At Chester Crown Court, prosecutor Owen Edwards KC detailed the abuse Stephanie suffered, highlighting her texts expressing fear and attempts to hide messages from Devenport to avoid his anger.

Despite repeated interventions and attempts to protect herself, Stephanie could not escape his control.

Devenport was found guilty of murder, with the court branding him a coward who showed no remorse throughout the investigation.

Judge and jury heard of his previous business endeavors, attempts at rehab, and manipulative behavior, which culminated in the fatal outcome.

Stephanie’s Legacy

Stephanie Blundell is remembered as a talented and ambitious executive who thrived in the high-stakes world of luxury watches and international events.

Her father described the devastating scene he found as the end of a bright, globe-trotting life, leaving family and friends mourning a young woman whose career had taken her to the very pinnacle of her industry.

What’s Next?

Tony Devenport is scheduled to be sentenced on February 28, following his conviction.

The sentencing will determine the length of his prison term and provide a formal legal closure to this harrowing case.

The court’s attention will also focus on the broader issues of domestic abuse and the mechanisms in place to protect victims who, like Stephanie, lived in fear but were unable to escape their abuser.

Summary

Stephanie Blundell, a former luxury executive known for her high-profile career and celebrity connections, was murdered by her abusive boyfriend Tony Devenport in Chester.

She had suffered prolonged periods of abuse and confinement, including being fed alcohol-laced ice lollies and living in fear of his rages.

Devenport claimed she died accidentally, but the court found him guilty of murder, highlighting a pattern of coercive and violent behavior.

The tragic case underscores the dangers of domestic abuse and the devastating consequences for victims.