MAN JAILED FOR LIFE FOR THE MURDER OF CLAIRE CHICK IN PLYMOUTH
Update 12/05/2026: A man who was jailed for life for murdering his estranged wife after months of stalking and harassing her has lost a bid to have his sentence reduced.
Paul Antony Butler was sentenced to at least 27 years in prison in April last year after admitting stabbing university lecturer Claire Chick more than 20 times with a kitchen knife outside her home in Plymouth in January 2025.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… A man has received a life sentence with a minimum term of 26 years and 277 days for the killing of Claire Chick, a lecturer at Plymouth University.
Paul Butler, aged 53, admitted to the murder during a court hearing held on 18 March and was formally sentenced today at Plymouth Crown Court.
Claire was assaulted on West Hoe Road, outside her residence, on Wednesday, 22 January 2025.
She suffered multiple stab wounds and was declared dead later that evening at Derriford Hospital.
Butler, who was Claire’s husband, was separated from her at the time of the incident.
On the evening of the attack, he visited a Sainsbury’s store located on Armada Way, purchased a pack containing three kitchen knives, and discarded all but the largest one before making his way to Claire’s apartment complex.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
tranged wife after months of stalking and harassing her has lost a bid to have his sentence reduced. Paul Antony Butler was sentenced to at least 27 years in prison in April last year after admitting stabbing university lecturer Claire C...
Prison sentence
for life
Update 12/05/2026: A man who was jailed for life for murdering his estranged wife after months of stalking and harassing her has lost a bid to have his sentence reduced
Life or indeterminate sentence
27 years
Paul Antony Butler was sentenced to at least 27 years in prison in April last year after admitting stabbing university lecturer Claire Chick more than 20 times with a kitchen knife outside her home in Plymouth in January 2025. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... A man has received a life sentence with a minimum term of 26 years and 277 days for the killing of Claire Chick, a lecturer at Plymouth University
Prison sentence
27 years
Paul Antony Butler was sentenced to at least 27 years in prison in April last year after admitting stabbing university lecturer Claire Chick more than 20 times with a kitchen knife outside her home in Plymouth in January 2025. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... A man has received a life sentence with a minimum term of 26 years and 277 days for the killing of Claire Chick, a lecturer at Plymouth University
