PAUL ANTONY BUTLER'S BRUTAL MURDER OF PLYMOUTH WOMAN AFTER STALKING AND HARASSMENT

In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, Paul Antony Butler, a 53-year-old former doorman, has been convicted of the murder of his estranged wife, Claire Chick, aged 48. The incident unfolded in January this year, following a prolonged period marked by stalking, harassment, and escalating violence that Butler directed towards Ms. Chick.

According to court reports, Butler carried out a brutal attack outside Ms. Chick's residence in Plymouth. Armed with a large kitchen knife, which he had purchased earlier from a local supermarket, he launched a violent assault that resulted in her being stabbed over 20 times. Despite the fact that Butler was on bail at the time and legally prohibited from approaching her, he continued to pursue her relentlessly. Evidence presented in court revealed that he had gone as far as placing a tracking device on her car, demonstrating his obsessive need to monitor her movements.

The prosecution detailed Butler’s history of aggressive behavior, noting that he had previously made six police statements concerning his conduct towards Ms. Chick. He had also been arrested multiple times on charges including assault, harassment, and stalking. These prior incidents underscored a pattern of abusive and controlling behavior that culminated in the deadly attack.

The court heard that Butler had been waiting outside Ms. Chick’s home, seemingly planning his assault, which he carried out in the street. After attacking her, he fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of violence and heartbreak. The incident was the tragic culmination of a series of threats and attempts to control Ms. Chick’s life, especially after she began a new relationship. Court proceedings revealed that Butler’s behavior had significantly worsened following her decision to move on, leading to fears for her safety that she expressed to police on multiple occasions.

Despite her pleas for protection, Ms. Chick believed that Butler posed a deadly threat to her life. Her fears were tragically realized when he committed the murder, a crime that has left her family and the community devastated. The court also heard that Butler pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article, adding to the severity of his charges.

Sentencing for Butler was scheduled for the same afternoon as the court proceedings. He faces a life sentence for murder, a reflection of the gravity of his actions and the danger he posed. The case has highlighted the dangers of obsessive stalking and the importance of timely intervention by authorities to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.