Tony Devenport, who used to own a go-kart track in Wales, had denied killing Stephanie Blundell but was found guilty after a trial

A “cowardly” north Wales man has been found guilty of murdering his “caring” and “fun-loving” girlfriend at his home. Tony Devenport, 57, was found guilty of killing Stephanie Blundell on Wednesday following a 16-day trial at Chester Crown Court.

At around 12.20pm on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Cheshire Police were contacted by the father of the victim who told police that he had found his daughter’s lifeless body at Devenport’s house in Canal Street in Chester.

Within minutes officers and paramedics were at the scene. Ms Blundell, 41, was found dead inside the address.

She had visible injuries to her face, neck, and body. Devenport, who has links to Prestatyn and other parts of north Wales, was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

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During questioning he denied being responsible for Stephanie’s death. A post-mortem examination later confirmed the injuries on Stephanie’s body were a result of a sustained and violent assault.

Devenport, a property developer and former owner of a go-kart track in north Wales, was charged with Stephanie’s murder and an alternative count of manslaughter, reports NorthWalesLive. Following a trial he was found guilty of murder. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.

Following the verdict detective inspector Andrea Price of Cheshire Constabulary’s major investigation team said: “Though I am pleased with today’s outcome there are sadly no winners in this case.

“Stephanie’s family described her as a fun-loving, caring, beautiful girl, and my thoughts are with them today as they continue to come to terms with such a loss.

“No parent should ever have to go through the pain of losing a child nor should they have to sit and relive that trauma by way of a trial.

“Devenport was a coward. He has shown no remorse for his actions and throughout the investigation he has refused to admit what he did.

“Thankfully the case presented in court against him was overwhelming and left the jury with no option but to find him guilty of murder.

“While nothing will ever bring Stephanie back I do hope her family can find some comfort in knowing Devenport will now be held accountable for what he’s done.”

Devenport is due to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday, February 27.

DI Price added: “Many victims of domestic abuse suffer in silence, isolated from those closest to them. If one thing can come from Stephanie’s tragic death it’s encouraging other victims of domestic abuse to come forward and contact us.

“We treat all reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously and will use all the powers available to us to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse visit the Live Fear Free website or call the helpline on 0808 80 10 800.

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Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe has had his say on transfer speculation surrounding Bruno Fernandes and Red Devils-linked Chelsea star Cole Palmer

Lee Sharpe believes that Cole Palmer would prove an ideal successor to Bruno Fernandes, should the Portuguese maestro choose to depart Manchester United this summer. The Wythenshawe native, 23, has flourished at Chelsea following his switch from Manchester City in 2023.

And when speculation emerged earlier this year suggesting Palmer was pining for home in the capital, United were swiftly linked with a stunning move for the attacking midfielder. However, Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior moved quickly to dismiss any notion that Palmer was unhappy at Stamford Bridge.

Should Palmer’s position shift in the coming months, United legend Sharpe is convinced he could thrive with the Red Devils. Yet he cannot envisage the talent breaking into United’s starting XI whilst Fernandes remains at the club.

READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo contract update as Man Utd midfielder decides on next destinationREAD MORE: Man Utd shed £14MILLION off wage bill despite shelling out on five transfer deals

Speaking to BetBrain, he said: “I’ve seen the rumours about Cole Palmer returning to Manchester United, that he’s a boyhood fan of the club. Maybe if Bruno Fernandes leaves Old Trafford, then Palmer could be an option to replace him, but if he stays then I don’t see how Palmer gets into the team.

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“Palmer is a really exciting player and I’d love to see him in a United shirt, but there are a lot of boxes that need to be ticked before they go and get a player of his calibre.”

It comes as Fernandes’ future beyond 2025/26 has been thrown into doubt, despite the club captain pledging his loyalty to the Reds on numerous occasions. The 31-year-old’s existing deal runs out next summer, though there remains an option to extend his tenure by an additional 12 months.

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Nevertheless, given the considerable attention from the Saudi Pro League last summer, it’s unclear whether his head could be turned should another tempting proposition come his way. It is understood that Fernandes will only enter discussions with his representative regarding his future following this summer’s World Cup in North America.

Meanwhile, United are yet to reach a verdict on fresh terms for Fernandes, largely due to the club still awaiting the appointment of a permanent manager. Whether he remains or departs, United would be prudent to strengthen their midfield this summer.

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Casemiro is poised to leave Old Trafford when his contract concludes this summer, leaving United short of options beyond the Brazilian, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte – who has found it difficult to settle in the Premier League.

Consequently, the Reds have been connected with several targets ahead of the summer window, including Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson amongst others. Additionally, United CEO Omar Berrada has hinted that the club’s transfer activity is far from finished as they adopt a ‘football-first approach’.

He said: “We are now seeing the positive financial impact of our off-pitch transformation materialise both in our costs and profitability. We continue to take a football-first approach and invest in both our men’s and women’s first teams.

“On the pitch our men’s team sits 4th in the Premier League and our women’s team are 2nd in the Women’s Super League, as well as reaching the League Cup Final and the quarter final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

“Today’s results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business as we continue to push for the best football results possible for our Men’s and Women’s teams.”

Whether that backing will stretch to the £100million valuation many reckon Wharton’s, Baleba’s and Anderson’s talents command, remains uncertain.

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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.

Vernon Kay is currently hosting his new BBC show, Do You Know Your Place?, alongside The Traitors star Paul Gorton

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Vernon Kay has disclosed that he and his wife Tess Daly spent considerable time discussing her choice to leave Strictly Come Dancing last year.

The BBC radio presenter appeared alongside Joe Swash, Rob Rinder and Jordan Banjo on ITV’s Loose Men in November, where the panel explored the significance of making major decisions together in relationships.

It comes as Vernon is currently hosting his new BBC show, Do You Know Your Place?, alongside The Traitors star Paul Gorton. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, Vernon and Tess teamed up to host The One Show together.

Vernon explained on Loose Men back in November: “It’s a team effort, a relationship is when two become one,” he began.

“It’s important that you make those big decisions together, or at least, make a decision and then share it.

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“We had a big one recently in our household, and we sat and shared it for quite a while which is what you have to do when something has been in your life for so long, like Strictly Come Dancing.

“You have to sit and make a decision and share it, and come up with how, what, where, when, why.”

Last year, Tess and her co-host Claudia Winkleman revealed they would be departing Strictly Come Dancing following the conclusion of the 2025 series.

Vernon publicly backed his wife straight away after the announcement, resharing news reports on his Instagram Stories and posting a fan’s illustration of Claudia and Tess, with the caption: “What a fantastic duo they have been.”

Vernon, who assumed Ken Bruce’s BBC Radio 2 programme in May 2023, has been wed to Tess since 2003, with the pair raising two daughters.

Several weeks following her Strictly declaration, Vernon demonstrated his support for Tess again when she collected her MBE honour in November. She was honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting and collected her award at Windsor Castle on 12 November.

Vernon commemorated the milestone with a touching tribute posted on Instagram. He said: “Huge congratulations Tess, since we met your drive, dedication, focus and professionalism in how you work and live is a huge inspiration.

“You deserve your MBE today. 21 years at the helm of Strictly Come Dancing is a record for any female in entertainment telly. Let’s pop those corks!”. Tess responded to his supportive words with several red heart emojis.

Do You Know Your Place? airs on BBC Two, weekdays at 6.30PM.

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The airport has confirmed the new system will come into effect from midnight on March 26, allowing drivers to enter and exit the car park without stopping at barriers or pay stations.

Announcing the change, a spokesman said: “We’re introducing a new barrierless parking system, so you can simply drive in and out without stopping.

“No barriers. No queues. No pay stations.

“Your vehicle will be recognised automatically, and you can pay after your visit – online, by phone, or via Auto Pay.

“This change takes place from 00:01 on March 25, 2026.

“Set up an Auto Pay account here https://bit.ly/46lqSTk”

⚠️ We’re introducing a new barrierless parking system, so you can simply drive in and out without stopping. No barriers. No queues. No pay stations.

Your vehicle will be recognised automatically, and you can pay after your visit – online, by phone, or via Auto Pay.

This… pic.twitter.com/8yOI33VEdF

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— Manchester Airport (@manairport) February 25, 2026

Payment for parking must be made by midnight the day after a visit to avoid a Parking Charge being sent to the registered vehicle holder.

If payment is not received by that deadline, a £100.00 Parking Charge Notice will be issued, reduced to £60.00 if paid within 14 days.

Changes to parking at Manchester Airport

The latest move follows the introduction of a barrierless system at the airport’s Drop Off and Pick Up forecourts in 2025.

At the time, Manchester Airport said the changes would “streamline the drop-off and pick-up process, making it quicker, more convenient, and stress-free”.

When the forecourt system was rolled out, Manchester Airport’s landside operations director Sue West said: “Here at Manchester Airport we’re always looking for ways to make our passengers’ lives easier.

“By removing barriers in our drop-off and pick-up zones it will speed up the process and make it feel seamless.”

However, the barrierless system has proved controversial, sparking debate among Bolton residents.

Yasmin Qureshi has voiced her concerns over the barrierless drop-off system (Image: Office of Yasmin Qureshi MP)

Yasmin Qureshi raised the issue in Westminster after receiving complaints from constituents who were fined £100 at the airport.

The penalties followed confusion with payment systems, with some unable to complete payment despite “genuine attempts to do so”.

She said: “The current system is unfair, confusing and punitive. It does not work for passengers, and it is time for a change.

“The aim of a barrierless system is to keep traffic moving, but we have to be honest about the human reality.

“A parent unloading luggage at 5 am or a carer helping an elderly relative to the terminal door is not thinking about an online payment later that day.

“They should not receive a penalty notice in the post just because there is no clear or simple way to pay at the time.”

The penalties followed confusion with payment systems, with some unable to complete payment despite “genuine attempts to do so”.

In response, a Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “Dropping passengers off at Manchester Airport is free if drivers use the drop-off area at JetParks One.

“This is served by regular shuttle buses that take passengers to the doors of our terminals in just a few minutes.

“For those that want to be able to drop passengers off on our forecourts, we offer a service that lets drivers pay £5 for five minutes.

“This is cheaper than is offered at most comparably sized airports and our analysis shows it allows most people more than enough time to drop passengers off, thanks to our barrierless exits which remove bottlenecks.

“People can, however, stay for longer at a small extra charge – that rate is also cheaper than at most comparable airports.

“Space in our drop-off and pick-up zones is finite so charging to use them helps make sure they are available to people who need them and function efficiently while also helping us manage traffic on our road network.”

The new barrierless system at the T2 multi-storey car park comes into force from March 26, with drivers urged to ensure payment is made by midnight the following day to avoid a charge.

Artificial intelligence is accelerating a global economic revolution that began back in the 1970s. Researching the impacts of AI on different sectors of society highlights an important parallel moment in history: the creation of the “service economy” in the US.

In 1972, amid a period of global turmoil, a group of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) economists sought to reinvent how nations thought not only about wealth but the very purpose of society. They did this by proposing a broad new category of commerce: services.

It seems hard to imagine now, but until then economists had perceived and measured trade largely in terms of goods alone. Money was made by exchanging tangible, physical products (wheat, guns, butter). To become a rich nation, the wisdom went, you needed to add unique value to your raw materials (crops, iron) by turning them into more complex products (processed foods, steel) that gave you a competitive advantage over other countries.

Instead, this new category of services lumped together a diverse range of “intangible” jobs and social goods – from teaching and driving trains to social housing and water – in a huge new economic basket. It suggested there could be common standards by which to trade in them globally, creating metrics that offered a new source of wealth for investors.

While it would be two decades until the General Agreement on Trade in Services became a cornerstone of the newly formed World Trade Organization in 1995, the reimagining of jobs and social goods as tradeable services had an immediate effect on nations around the world. It spurred a new wave of private enterprise, and changed how and why essential societal activities were provided.

It also enabled the rise of the generalist boss and the creation of the “CEO class”. To run complex sectors from public transport to healthcare required accepting a view of management as a skill divorced from the specifics of the activity being managed.

Statistics and benchmarks became more important than the particulars of the task at hand, since they determined how services were valued in the market. Consulting firms supercharged this new era of key performance indicators, audits, rankings and standardised workflows.

While trade unions and the public sometimes resisted these changes through strikes and street protests, they were largely unable to stem the tide. Many governments came to see their role less as providers of public goods, more as managers of services outsourced to the private sector. This dramatic shift in how global trade operates set the scene for how we view and measure AI today.

Services on steroids

At its core, AI technology is about seeing patterns across data that, due to scale and complexity, we humans cannot. Acting on what AI tells us can, for example, save lives through early detection of cancer. Yet within that promise, how AI is sold today looks very much like services on steroids.

The services revolution helped create common standards and means of valuation across different sectors of society. Today, when politicians and CEOs speak of AI, it is usually in terms of universal models that can be applied to almost anything, regardless of context or human values.

This understanding is only possible in a society in which many of the sector-specific challenges of, say, health services and utility companies are ironed out and glossed over by those operating and investing in them. The services approach has enabled this.

Today’s gobsmackingly high share valuations in AI-centric businesses result from global marketeers’ desire to own a piece of whichever system dominates how we create society – from accessing healthcare to finding love.

Amid strategies of mass data capture and subscription services, there is the assumption that only the private sector can be a provider – and that the solutions are largely the same. AI is the lucrative but badly defined tool with which mainly US providers are seeking to drive home their existing competitive advantage.

But this leaves us with an important question from history.

Who benefits?

Looking for parallels between what we see as AI today and the creation of the services economy points to the classic question, cui bono? Who benefits?

The invention of trade-in-services greatly expanded the range of activities in which financiers might speculate. Through pension funds and private shareholding, many people’s personal wealth grew rapidly as a result.

But it has also led to the rise of large multinational corporations, for example in energy and water utilities. Anger over rising prices and exorbitant CEO bonuses in these sectors are in part a consequence of the services revolution.

The present approach to AI is following a similar, but much-accelerated, path. The rollout of AI has not only made a small group of companies extraordinarily rich and powerful, it has created a global sovereignty crisis.

At the same time as governments are extolling the virtues of AI for service delivery, there is growing awareness that not all countries have equal control over a technology seen as critical to how society will be run.

To use and regulate AI wisely requires being clear-eyed about whether we are talking simply about technology, or a broader political project. Given the evidence of the services revolution, we believe it is time to look beyond the hype and examine more rigorously what AI actually means for different sectors of society – and what exactly it is trying to achieve.

With many people looking for medicines in supermarkets, the Money Saving Expert has shared a way to pay less and save money.

Martin Lewis has shared a handy way shoppers can pay less for medication when shopping at a pharmacy or supermarket. With prices of medicines rising over the years, the money saving expert has revealed a ‘hidden’ code that Brits need to look out for.

With many medicines claiming to do the same thing, it can be hard for shoppers to choose which tablets will work best for them. And with branded items receiving more advertisement, quite a few of us choose them over cheaper alternatives.

However, the MoneySavingExpert website has revealed that people could be paying half the price if they checked the ingredients rather than the brand name. The website advises: “It’s important to realise you can often save big by buying an identical pill, just in different packaging. Some tablets are half the price of their doppelgangers.”

In order to make sure you aren’t overspending on your non-prescription medication, which is usually sourced for cold, flu, allergies or pain relief, shoppers are advised to look out for a nine-digit identification code on the packaging, reports the Express.

The money saving tool’s guidance states: “How to spot which tablets are identical. Check the ‘PL number’ on the packet. It’s a unique licence number given to a particular drug made by a particular manufacturer.”

This ‘hidden’ code is usually found under the distributor’s information on the back or side of medicine packets. Martin Lewis also highlighted the nine-digit code in a variety of TV shows.

In a previous appearance on This Morning, he shared that branded doesn’t always guarantee that you are getting the best. He explained: “If they have an identical PL code, which is on the back of the packet, they are the same tablet.

“Not the same active ingredient—the same tablet. “Big pharmaceutical companies spend millions of pounds promoting this, ‘Go with the name you know.’ And that’s just baloney in most cases.”

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To prove his point he compared a £1.85 product with a branded £4.99 medicine, both of which had the same PL code. He added: “This happens all over the place”.

Many people on social media were blown away by this money saving tip, with the clip racking up over 2,000 likes when it was uploaded on Facebook.

Thousands of people also flooded the comments section, with one person who worked in a pharmacy explaining that most shoppers wouldn’t listen when they gave this advice.

They wrote: “I work in a well-known pharmacy. We tell people of the price difference in pain meds and hay fever stuff mostly, and it’s amazing how many people dare not buy the cheaper own-brand stuff. It can make about £12 difference in some cases. Branding really works.”

With another person adding: “I worked in a pharmacy for years trying to get people to buy the store’s own cheaper brand, but most customers would say only the branded medicines worked!!”

A third also shared that they have not taken on Lewis’ advice, writing: “Used to buy expensive hayfever tablets for my daughter. Now buy Wilkinson’s own, same PL code and only 89p a box.”

This was followed by another social media user adding: “I’m always baffled when people buy expensive branded paracetamol or ibuprofen. let’s hope more people take heed of this video and start buying medicines more sensibly.”

As of Wednesday, visitors to Britain will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which is form of digital permission to travel, first introduced in October 2023.

They cost £16 and permit multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Those without an ETA will not be able to board their flight, ferry or train.

UK visitors urged to be ‘travel-ready’ following ETA introduction

Enforcement of this new border system for visitors to the country is “vital”, a minister has said.

ETAs aim to “strengthen the UK’s border security,” according to Home Office minister Mike Tapp.

Mr Tapp is now urging anyone planning a trip to the UK to “ensure they are travel-ready”.

He commented: “The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public.

“I’d urge anyone wanting to travel to the UK to ensure they are travel-ready and have the right permission, to make their journey much smoother.”

What is an ETA?

An electronic travel authorisation lets you travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to six months, GOV.UK explains.

Most visitors travelling to the UK need an ETA or a visa, but what exactly you need depends on your nationality and why you’re coming to the country.

GOV.UK shares you usually need an ETA rather than a visa if you’re from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries.

Find out if you need one, or need to apply for one via the GOV.UK website.

Who is exempt from an ETA when travelling to the UK?

British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from the ETA requirement.

But due to the introduction of the border system, dual British citizens will now need a valid British passport to travel to the UK.

Ukrainians can now extend their stay in the UK by applying up to 90 days before their permission expires – triple the current window.

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme is being expanded by two years, giving Ukrainians in the UK ongoing sanctuary from Russia’s illegal war. pic.twitter.com/MhgSF8ZL87

— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) February 24, 2026

Alternatively, they can pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement, which can be applied for on the GOV.UK website to prove they have right of abode in the UK.

Some dual nationals have said enforcement of ETAs is being brought in at short notice and was poorly communicated.

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There are fears that holidays or work trips could be affected if people cannot get a passport or certificate of entitlement in time.

The Home Office previously said public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024, and a “substantive communications campaign” has been running since 2023.

Are you a dual national? Let us know how you have been affected in the comments below.

A second-grade basketball game in Pennsylvania erupted into a postgame brawl and arrests after an argument between an assistant coach and her father and members of the opposing team escalated.

Brittany Ortiz, 38, of Malvern, and her father, William Stanley, 70, of Paoli, face multiple charges, including assault on a sports official, stemming from the alleged February 1 incident at Holy Child School in Rosemont, according to Lower Merion police.

The alleged altercation left the opposing coach, his wife and the coach’s 3-year-old daughter injured, the victims told authorities.

The dispute allegedly started when Ortiz began shouting and cursing during the game, which involved 7- and 8-year-old players in the Malvern Basketball League, which is not associated with the Catholic school. This sparked a verbal argument with the opposing team’s assistant coach.

Stanley joined his daughter in arguing with the opposing head coach, according to the affidavit of probable cause, NBC 10 Philadelphia reports.

After the game, Ortiz continued her argument with the opposing coach and his wife in the gym hallway. Witnesses told police that she grabbed the coach’s wife by the hair and slammed her to the ground, causing her head to strike the floor. This resulted in a concussion, a scalp contusion and clumps of hair being pulled out, according to the criminal complaint reviewed by the outlet.

As the opposing coach attempted to intervene, Stanley allegedly struck him in the head, while Ortiz kicked him in the inner thigh and attempted to kick him in the groin, according to the report. The coach was holding his 3-year-old daughter during the attack, who became hysterical, urinated on herself and got a bruise on her leg.

The opposing coach sustained bruising to his inner thigh.

Ortiz was charged with assault on a sports official, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and harassment. Her unsecured bail was set at $10,000, with a preliminary hearing set for March 5. Her attorney told NBC10 that he plans to review the evidence and will “vigorously defend” her.

Stanley later turned himself in to authorities, NBC10 reported. His attorney, Nathan J. Schadler, told the outlet that Stanley maintains his innocence and was taken to the hospital with broken bones and a head injury.

“We will be doing our own investigation and speaking to people who were there,” Schadler said. “My client asserts his innocence, and it was my client’s family who called 911 and asked the police to show up in this matter.”

The Independent has contacted Schadler and the Malvern League for comment.

Draper said he was “really proud” to make a winning return to the tour following “a lot of down moments [during] the last eight months”.

Seeking to build on the victory over the 68th-ranked Halys, Draper made an assured start on serve as he lost just two points across his opening four games.

But he crucially failed to take his first two break points in the 11th game, before Rinderknech seized his opportunity to clinch the opening set in the following game.

Draper was the first to come under pressure in the second set as he withstood three break points to restore parity at 3-3 but, from the brink of trailing by a set and a break, he reset impressively.

The Briton lost just one point over his next three service games and would not relinquish control of the tie-break after winning four of the first five points.

However, it was Rinderknech who forced the breakthrough in the deciding set – with that proving enough to secure a quarter-final meeting with Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev.