The family of a Bournemouth woman who was murdered by a Fordingbridge vet have paid tribute to the mum of two.

Alberto Fioletti, 31, was found guilty on Friday 8 December 2023 of the murder of Stephanie Hodgkinson, 34, following a four-week trial at Bournemouth Crown Court. He was sentenced on Monday 15 January to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years.

Following the sentencing, Stephanie’s family paid tribute to her: “As a family, being without Stephanie is unimaginable and unbearable. Our hearts are forever broken and life will never be the same without her. We will never get over this. We cling to the fact that we are so blessed to have had Stephanie in our lives, and to know that she will be with us always, in spirit and in our hearts.

“Stephanie, the most beautiful and remarkable young woman, so full of life and so full of love. She intended to make every second count. Stephanie lit up a room with her very presence and touched the hearts of everyone she met. She had her whole life in front of her and had such plans for herself and her beautiful boys. In the short time they had together, their lives were full of love and laughter, fun and adventure. Together they created such wonderful memories, and her boys will always feel and know how much their mummy loves them. In their future lives, we will continue to follow in her footsteps to fulfil all her plans and wishes for her boys.

“In choosing to plead not guilty to murder the defendant has prolonged our agony and put us all through anguish, heartache and to have to face and hear the unimaginable. The sentencing today only brings us consolation that the defendant cannot do this to another woman, but it must serve as a lesson to him and others who think that they can take a women’s life from her,  because justice will prevail.

“We would like to thank Dorset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for all their detailed and hard work. We would also like to thank Holly Tree Lodge and their staff, and also thank Victim Support for their ongoing support.”

At around 12pm on Friday 12 May 2023, the defendant and the victim arranged to meet at the victim’s home address in Rosemount Road to discuss their seven-month relationship that had ended the week before.

Fioletti became angry and brutally attacked Stephanie in her own home.

The ambulance service received an emergency call at 12.17pm from the defendant stating ‘I killed my girlfriend’ and the police were notified.

Officers forced entry to the address and very sadly, Stephanie was found dead inside the property having sustained a number of stab wounds to the chest.

Fioletti was arrested at the scene and following a detailed investigation, detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) were able to gather evidence to prove that Fioletti was responsible for murdering Stephanie and could not diminish his responsibility for her death.

Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “The thoughts of myself, the investigation team and colleagues across the Force remain with Stephanie’s loved ones.

“The brutal and violent actions of Fioletti has sadly left two young children without their mother and Stephanie’s family and friends devastated by her loss.

“The investigation and prosecution team worked tirelessly to ensure Fioletti was brought to justice for murder and was not able to use his narcissistic personality to reduce responsibility for his actions.

“I pay tribute to Stephanie’s family and friends who attended throughout the ordeal of a four-week trial. I hope that the sentencing today provides some comfort to Stephanie’s loved ones and they can close this particular chapter in their grief.”