PAUL BUTLER SENTENCED FOR MURDERING CLARE CHICK IN PLYMOUTH

Paul Butler, a man from Plymouth, has been found guilty of the brutal murder of Claire Chick, a respected university lecturer at the University of Plymouth. The court has handed down a life sentence, with a minimum term of 27 years, reflecting the gravity of his crime. The proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of stalking and harassment carried out by Butler over a period of six months, which ultimately culminated in a violent and frenzied attack outside Ms. Chick’s residence.

According to court reports, Butler, aged 53, had been engaged in a relentless campaign of intimidation against Ms. Chick, despite being on bail and explicitly prohibited from making any contact with her. Evidence showed that he had even gone as far as placing a tracking device on her vehicle, demonstrating the extent of his obsession and invasive behavior. The situation escalated further when Butler learned that Ms. Chick had begun a new romantic relationship. Instead of accepting this, he waited outside her home, seemingly planning his next move.

The tragic climax occurred when Butler attacked Ms. Chick with a large kitchen knife, stabbing her more than 20 times in a frenzied assault. The attack was witnessed by her new partner, Paul Maxwell, who was returning from a run at the time. In a terrifying encounter, Butler chased Maxwell and issued a threatening warning, shouting, “I’ll f****** do you too,” before fleeing the scene.

Ms. Chick was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries, passing away approximately an hour after the attack. The court heard that she had previously made six police statements about Butler, who had been arrested three times before the murder. Her final statement to the police expressed her deep fear, stating, “I only feel that Butler will kill me if further action is not taken. I am in fear of leaving my house.”

Her family described her death as leaving a “huge void” in their lives. Her daughter, Bethany, described Butler as “evil,” while her sister Lydia called him a “parasite.” It was revealed that Ms. Chick had divorced Butler and entered into a new relationship, which she later married in June 2024. However, she reportedly harbored doubts about the marriage. The court also heard that her relationship with Butler was marred by threats of violence, jealousy, and accusations of infidelity, which led her to seek police assistance multiple times.

The sentencing underscores the court’s recognition of the severity of Butler’s actions and the tragic loss of Claire Chick’s life, highlighting the devastating impact of stalking and domestic violence. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early intervention and the protection of victims from persistent harassment and threats.