Paul Antony Butler Pleads Guilty to Murder of University Lecturer Claire Chick

The 53-year-old admitted to killing the Plymouth academic and possessing a bladed article during a court hearing, with sentencing now pending.

Claire Chick, a 48-year-old University of Plymouth lecturer, was fatally stabbed in Plymouth on January 22 and died the following day in the hospital.
Paul Antony Butler, 53, was arrested two days later, approximately 20 miles from the scene, and charged with murder and possession of a bladed article.
During a hearing at Plymouth Crown Court on March 18, Butler pleaded guilty to both charges while appearing via video link from prison.
The case has now progressed beyond the plea stage, with Butler awaiting sentencing for the murder and related charge.
Cornwall Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to review their prior interactions with Claire Chick before her death.