Man sentenced after killing estranged wife

He will spend 27 years behind bars

A Plymouth man has been sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison after he killed his estranged wife in Plymouth.

Paul Butler, 53 and of Stangray Avenue, pleaded guilty to stabbing 48-year-old university lecturer Claire Chick to death.

She was found seriously injured on West Hoe Road in January and was taken to hospital, but died in the early hours of the next morning.

Judge Robert Linford told Butler it was "nothing less than sheer murderous brutality".

Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow, Senior Investigating Officer in the case, said: “I welcome the significant sentence handed to Paul Butler today.

"Butler brutally murdered Claire Chick outside her own home in a violent and cowardly attack.

“It is testament to the thorough and comprehensive investigation by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team that Butler pleaded guilty to this offence and today he starts a minimum term of 27 years in prison. I would like to thank those witnesses at the scene and the numerous other people who assisted police in this investigation.

“Claire Chick was dearly loved, adored and admired by many and her family have demonstrated enormous courage and dignity. I would like to thank and commend Claire’s family who have shown nothing but strength and restrain throughout this difficult process. I hope that the conclusion of the case today will help them heal and move forward, but my thoughts and sympathies remain with them.”

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew added: “My thoughts and condolences are with Claire’s family and friends over the devastating impact this abhorrent crime committed by Paul Butler has had on them. I also acknowledge the details of this case heard by the court today are horrific and I know the anguish and pain will stay with Claire’s family.

“The Force made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to our previous contact with Claire.

“We are committed to fully co-operating with an ongoing independent investigation by the IOPC. It would be inappropriate to comment in more detail at this stage to ensure we do not compromise the investigation.  

“Having met some of Claire’s family following her tragic death, the Force has conducted an urgent review of all our active stalking investigations.

“This has resulted in immediate changes to our stalking and harassment procedures. New policies have been implemented to ensure we provide greater focus on safeguarding victims, targeting perpetrators at the earliest opportunity and encouraging reporting.

“One of our priorities is to ensure we continue to improve how we investigate stalking and harassment, focusing on dealing proactively with dangerous perpetrators and giving greater confidence to victims of this harmful and dangerous crime.”