Alberto Fioletti, aged 31 from Fordingbridge, was found guilty on Friday 8 December 2023 of murder following a four-week trial at Bournemouth Crown Court. He is due to be sentenced next month.

On Friday 12 May 2023, the defendant and the victim – 34-year-old Stephanie Hodgkinson from Bournemouth – arranged to meet at her home address in Rosemount Road to discuss their relationship.

Fioletti was seen on CCTV heading toward the address a few minutes before 12pm.

The ambulance service received an emergency call at 12.17pm from the defendant stating: “I killed my girlfriend” and the police were notified. He also indicated that he had injured himself.

Very sadly, Stephanie was found dead inside the property having sustained a number of stab wounds.

Fioletti was also present at the address. He was treated by paramedics, arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to stomach wounds. He remained in hospital under arrest and police guard until 24 May.

When Fioletti was discharged from hospital, he was interviewed by detectives and admitted he was responsible for Stephanie’s death. He said he had become angry after Stephanie had ended their seven-month relationship.

A post-mortem examination found that Stephanie died as a result of stab wounds to the chest.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Dorset Police was authorised to charge Fioletti with the murder of Stephanie Hodgkinson.

Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “This was an incredibly sad incident where Stephanie, a young mother of two, lost her life during a brutal and violent attack by a man she had only known for a short time, but that she trusted.

“I can only imagine the devastation his actions have caused to Stephanie’s young children, her parents, family and friends who have suffered immeasurable loss.

“My thoughts and those of the whole investigation team remain with them at this extremely difficult time. My hope is that the outcome today brings some small comfort that justice has been served.”

Fioletti is due to be sentenced on Monday 15 January.